Tackle the Flu before it Sacks Your Family
Fall is upon us and the smell of tailgates and football is in the air. As much fun as this season is, fun and fellowship isn’t the only thing in the air, we have officially entered the beginning of flu season. With all the fall activities kicking off you and your family must get your flu shots so you can enjoy everything the season has to offer. You may be thinking it’s a bit early it’s not even that cold yet, but now’s the time to get it while it’s fresh on your mind before you need it.
Ideal Time to Get Your Flu Shot
It has been thoroughly documented that the flu season can start as early as September and run as late as May. Keeping that in mind, getting your flu shot earlier in the season gives your body time to build up an immunity to the virus so that it’s prepared once the heart of the season hits. Ideally getting your shot before the end of October would give you ample time to build up that immunity and prepare you for an enjoyable winter season. While it is not the end of the world if you are a bit tardy receiving your flu shot don’t give up on it completely. Seeing that the flu season can stretch for so long it’s better to be covered for part of it than not at all!
Where Can I Get My Flu Shot?
Great question! With the demand for this vaccine being as high as it is, you can pretty much get it just about anywhere. Most doctor’s offices, clinics, health departments, college health centers and most stores with a pharmacy such as Walgreens, CVS, Rite-aid and even Walmart. Many employers and schools may offer them as well for a period of time at the beginning of the season, just ask your HR department or front office for details. Most places offer these shots free of charge so don’t let the money deter you from making the trip!
Any Reason Not to Get My Flu Shot?
If you’ve never gotten a flu shot before, or even if you have, consult with your health care provider to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Keep in mind that different age groups can be affected differently from others which is a major reason to check with your doctor if you have any hesitations.
If you have a life-threatening allergy to any of the components of the vaccine you should investigate alternative methods for getting coverage. Some of these allergies could include but are not limited to, gelatin, antibiotics, and chicken egg proteins. If you are allergic to eggs you can still receive the vaccine, but it is highly recommended that you get it at an actual health care provider location to have professionals monitor for any symptoms or conditions that occur as a result of the allergy.
The flu is not something to play with. According to CDC reports, between 9.3 million and 49 a million cases of the flu have been reported in the United States each year since 2010. During the 2017 to 2018 season, approximately 79,000 adults died in America alone from flu symptoms. Is that the sound of the car starting? It should be. Because if that number doesn’t have you planning to be on your way to the nearest location that offers flu shots in the immediate future a friendly reminder that most places offer the shot for free should. Take your health and the health of your family members seriously and go get your flu shot!
