Get Your Flu Vaccine!

By Mountain-Pacific

Protect yourself from influenza and get your flu vaccine every season. Not only will you reduce your chances of getting influenza, but you’ll help stop the spread of the flu.

Even though “flu season” doesn’t officially start until October, mark your calendar now to get your immunization. The 2016/2017 influenza vaccine should be released near September.

Health officials create a new influenza vaccine every season that targets predicted flu types. Just like how the flu virus itself is constantly changing and mutating, so is the vaccine. The influenza vaccine is administered by either a shot or a nasal spray and there are different types of vaccines that are designed for specific ages.

For most people the negative side effects of the flu vaccine are rare. However, some people may have allergies or certain medical conditions that prevent them from getting immunized against the flu. It is important to consult your health care professional to find out which vaccine you need.

Finding where to get immunized is easy – many cities and counties have public health offices with professionals that can help administer flu vaccines. Pharmacies like Walgreens, Rite Aid, CVS and local shops often offer vaccines during flu season. And of course your primary doctor can help as well if that’s what you prefer.

If you are more than 65 years old it is especially important to get your flu shot. As you age your immune system becomes weaker and you become more susceptible to the flu. As well, people who are 65-plus may be at a greater risk for flu complications such as infections and/or pneumonia. The good news is that there are flu vaccines created specifically for adults over the age of 65. Ask your health care professional about which flu vaccine you need.

Everyone six months of age and older should get a yearly flu shot, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Besides helping to prevent the flu and its spread, vaccines can reduce the symptoms and duration of influenza if the vaccine isn’t 100% effective.

Outside of the influenza vaccine, some simple habits can help reduce your odds of getting the flu:

• Avoid people who are sick if possible
• Wash your hands often
• Cover coughs to help stop the spread
• Avoid touching your eyes or mouth

Make the time to get your flu shot this year and prevent the spread of the flu to your loved ones and family. For more information on influenza vaccines please visit the CDCs website: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/consumer/index.html

If you want to learn more about immunizations check out Mountain-Pacific’s immunizations blog post.

For more information please see http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/.

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