Flu season is here. If you haven’t already gotten the flu vaccine by injection (“flu shot”) or nasal spray, it’s not too late. A yearly flu vaccine is the first, most important step in protecting against influenza viruses, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
A vaccination not only helps reduce flu illness, doctors’ visits and missed work and school days, but also prevents flu-related hospitalization and fatality. Symptoms include fever, dry cough, extreme tiredness and muscle aches. Flu-related complications can include pneumonia, dehydration, and ear and sinus infections. The flu can also make other chronic health problems worse.
Who Should Get the Flu Vaccine
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Everyone 6 months old and up should get a flu vaccine. Immunization is especially important for anyone at high risk of complications and for those who live with or care for someone who is. Those most at risk for flu-related complications are:
- Children and infants
- Pregnant women
- People 65 and older
- People with disabilities
- People with health conditions
- Travelers and people living abroad
Seasonal flu viruses generally start circulating in October and can linger as late as May. The number of new cases usually peak between December and February, according to the CDC. Eleven New York State counties and all five New York City boroughs have reported lab-confirmed flu cases, says the New York State Department of Health. The North Shore-LIJ Health System treated its first flu patient about a week ago.
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It’s difficult to predict how bad the 2014-15 flu season will be. The number of reported cases has been low so far. Still, it’s important to remember that flu and flu-related complications are the eighth leading cause of death in the United States, says the CDC.
There are many places and opportunities to get the flu vaccine, including at yourprimary care physician’s office. Don’t put it off.
For more information, watch this video: http://bit.ly/1pq7Y5x
This post was written by Donna Armellino, DNP, vice president of infection prevention for the North Shore-LIJ Health System.
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