December 5-11 is Influenza Vaccination Week
Flu seasons most often peak between December and February, but significant activity can occur as late as May
The CDC is encouraging people who have not yet been vaccinated this season to get vaccinated now. Anitbody protection will kick in about two weeks after vaccination. For millions of people every season, flu means a fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, fatigue, and miserable days spent in bed. Millions of people get sick, hundreds of thousands are hospitalized, and thousands to tens of thousands of people die from flu each year.
Why Get a Flu Shot?
Some people are at high risk of developing serious flu complications that can lead to hospitalization and even death.
People at high risk include: pregnant women, children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old, people 65 year of age and older, and people who have certain long-term medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease.
There is a vaccine that can help reduce the risk of flu and its potentially serious complications.
The CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older as the first and most important step in protecting against seasonal flu viruses.
For those people at high risk of serious flu complications, getting a flu vaccine is especially important. It’s also important to get a flu vaccine if you care for anyone at high risk, including children younger than 6 months who are too young to get a flu vaccine.
Burden of the Flu
Flu isn’t a “bad cold” and can result in serious health complications, such as pneumonia, bacterial infections, and can lead to hospitalization. Flu can sometimes even lead to death.
Most people who get flu will recover in several days to less than two weeks, but some people will develop serious flu complications
People at high risk of serious flu complications include young children, pregnant women, people with certain chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease or lung disease, and people 65 years and older.
All people are at risk of developing serious flu complications and certain groups are at higher risk. For people at higher risk, flu is more likely to lead to serious flu complications that can result in hospitalization or even death.
Anyone who gets flu can pass it to someone at high risk of severe illness, including children younger than 6 months who are too young to get a flu vaccine.
How Does The Flu Make You Sick?
Flu virus infection triggers inflammation in your body. Severe inflammation can cause lung damage and other serious problems. Everyone 6 months and older needs flu vaccine each year. Watch this video for more information: