I got my first flu shot during my first semester of college. I was going to nursing school and my instructor’s highly recommended that all of us get vaccinated to help prevent catching the flu, or spreading the flu to our patients. After that year and seeing the effects that the flu can cause, I have gotten my flu vaccine every flu season since. It’s very important to me that not only do I stay as healthy as possible but that my family does too. There is nothing worse for a mom than to see your child sick. Because of this when I get vaccinated for the flu, so do my kids.
Now my husband he’s a different story. He’s one of those stubborn people that thinks they are invincible to the flu. He never wanted to hassle with taking the time to get vaccinated. I would encourage him each year and each year he would tell me, he doesn’t need it. Well that all changed two years ago when guess who caught “the worst case of the flu” (his words) that anyone has ever had. He was miserable for two days until he finally crawled to the car and off to the doctor we went. He was the only one who got sick with the flu that year. You can pretty much guarantee after his experience with the flu my husband will never miss his vaccination again.
Who Should Get The Flu Vaccine?
The CDC recommends that everyone over the age of 6 months get a flu vaccination each year. The flu vaccine is the simple most important step you can take to help protect yourself from influenza disease. By receiving the flu vaccination you can reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits, missed work due to flu, as well as prevent flu related hospitalizations and deaths. It takes about two weeks after the vaccination for the immune system to build the antibodies the body needs to provide protection against the flu. So it’s best to get the flu vaccination as soon as it’s available. Flu activity usually peaks between December and February in the US and can last as late as May. As long as flu viruses are circulating, it’s not too late to get vaccinated.
What Kind Of Flu Vaccine Should You Get?
There are many choices available to you for the flu vaccine. The Flu vaccines made to specifically protect against three different flu viruses (called “trivalent” vaccines) which are now available. In addition, flu vaccines made to protect against four different flu viruses (called “quadrivalent” vaccines) also are available. Flu vaccines are offered in many locations, including doctor’s offices, clinics, health departments, retail stores and pharmacies, and health centers, as well as by many employers and schools. The most important thing is for all people 6 months and older to get a flu vaccine every year, regardless of which vaccine option they choose. If you have questions about which vaccine is best for you, talk to your doctor or other health care professional.
I know many people think that once December hits, it’s too late to get the flu vaccination and that’s just not true. That’s one of the reasons why in 2005 the CDC established National Influenza Vaccination Week or NIVW, to highlight the importance of continuing flu vaccination through the holiday season and beyond.This year NIVW week will be held from December 7-13, 2014. As long as flu viruses are spreading and causing illness, vaccination can provide protection against the flu and should continue.
So what happens if you didn’t get vaccinated and you already got the flu?
The CDC recommends these people can still benefit from the flu vaccination because it protects from three to four different flu viruses which means you could catch a different strain from what you may have already gotten.
- People who should always get a flu vaccine are the ones that are at the highest risk of developing flu complications. These people include:
- Young children
- Pregnant women People with certain chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart and lung disease
- People age 65 years and older.
These people who are at high risk of getting the flu can mean developing serious flu-related complications, like pneumonia, or a worsening of existing health conditions, which can lead to hospitalization or death.
Flu viruses are always changing and that’ s why it’s so important that you protect yourself each and every year with a new vaccine. With flu activity starting to increase and family and friends gathering for the holidays, now is a great time to get a flu vaccine to protect yourself and your loved ones. Hopefully NIVW will act as a reminder to parents and caregivers of children about the importance of flu vaccination in general and the fact that some children younger than 9 years old may need two doses of flu vaccine this season to be fully protected. Once you and your family are vaccinated, you can enjoy this holiday season knowing that you have taken the single best step to protect yourself and your loved ones against the flu.
For more information on the Flu Vaccine and National Influenza Vaccination Week be sure to visit NIVW online to learn more.