Flu is in season – have you had your shot?

Have you had your annual influenza vaccine? According to the CDC, this season has already seen an increase in influenza A (H3N2) cases, especially among young adults and children. Nationally, the volume of cases is still low, but there have been reported outbreaks in several states recently.

With families excited to gather during the holidays after 2020's social distancing recommendations, it will become increasingly important to stop the spread of the virus and protect yourself from potential infection by receiving the flu vaccine. It is also recommended to receive the COVID-19 vaccine before gathering or traveling for the holidays.

What is Influenza?

Influenza is a rapidly changing and very contagious virus that affects the respiratory tract from the nose to the lungs and can cause symptoms ranging from very mild nasal congestion to a severe, life-threatening infection. Some of the most common symptoms include cough, sore throat, body aches, fever, fatigue, and headache. It is estimated an infected individual is contagious one day before symptoms begin and up to one week after the onset of symptoms.

Who should be vaccinated?

• Anyone 6 months and older
  • Influenza is most dangerous for the very young and the elderly.
• Individuals who are managing chronic conditions, who are pregnant, or who have a suppressed immune system
  • Examples: COPD, asthma, diabetes mellitus, congestive heart failure, and HIV, among others

What are the benefits of vaccination?

• Avoid influenza infection
• Reduce the severity of illness if you contract another strain of the virus
• Protect those around you -- including your loved ones and the community -- from the spread of influenza
• Decrease the number of hospitalizations and deaths from the flu by minimizing viral transmission

Why should we vaccinate every year?

• The influenza virus is constantly changing, and vaccinations must be adapted annually to provide the most protection possible for the coming year.
• Our immune systems need an additional boost every year to maintain active antibodies against the influenza viruses.

For further information, visit the CDC website covering influenza vaccination at www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent.

For information on COVID-19 and vaccine or booster eligibility, visit www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.