Believe it or not, it is that time of year again. It may not seem so, but soon the leaves will start to change and the temperatures will drop. Heck, everything from coffee to hand soap is already starting to have the faint (strong?) smell of pumpkin spice. That’s right, we are talking about flu season.While seasonal influenza viruses are detected year-round, they are most common in the fall and winter. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), everyone older than six months should get a flu vaccine every “flu season” to help prevent the contraction and spread of the virus.Influenza can be a serious disease that may lead to hospitalization or even death. The CDC states that each flu season is unique and every infection affects people differently. Millions of people get the flu each year, leading to hundreds of thousands of hospital visits and tens of thousands of deaths from flu-related causes.Getting a flu shot is important every year, but this year (just like last year), it is especially important to do your part to keep yourself and those around you healthy and out of hospitals. It is also important to get the vaccine early in the season. As we all know all too well, we are still dealing with a worldwide pandemic, and it is possible to get the flu and COVID-19 concurrently.The flu vaccine, a simple shot, is the best way to protect against the disease. The vaccine causes antibodies to develop that provide protection against flu infection. It takes about two weeks for the antibodies to develop in the body, so the sooner you can get vaccinated, the better. Mid- to late-October is the best time to get the vaccination, according to the CDC.While the vaccine does not protect against every strain of the flu, it has been said to lessen the severity of illness for those who contract it. The vaccination is particularly important for those at high risk for complications from influenza, including senior citizens, young children, pregnant women, and people suffering from medical conditions.It is also important to remember that – just like wearing a mask – flu vaccinations are not just for your benefit; they are also for everyone around you. We do not want any residents getting the flu, and we certainly do not want them passing on the flu to us!So please, get your flu shot.
