This post is made possible by the American Lung Association, in collaboration with Sanofi
Pasteur as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in
my post are my own.
When it came to the flu, it seemed I was the first in line to get it! Every flu season, I was down for the count! Because this serious respiratory illness is easily spread from person to person, I did my best to protect my family from the illness. Not only was I juggling nursing myself back to health, but I was trying to keep the kids from getting sick as well.
When I started nursing school, I worked at a local hospital. During a work seminar, I learned about the importance of getting an annual flu shot, especially as we get older.
We found the best flu prevention was to get vaccinated against influenza, and that the vaccine could reduce the risk of serious illness or even hospitalization.
Not only is the flu shot protection against the flu for myself, but it helps prevent me from spreading the virus to other people. This means my family, my patients, my classmates and anyone else I encounter.
In addition to getting your flu shot, you can do other things that are best for flu prevention. This includes covering your cough with your elbow, washing your hands often and staying home when you are sick to prevent the spread of germs.
The flu shot is the best option for prevention and recommended for everyone (except in rare cases) over the age of 6 months. Of course, anyone can get the flu, but certain groups are at high risks for a flu-related infection or complications. This includes pregnant women, folks over 50 years of age, and young children.
At the very least, having the flu can stop you from doing the things you enjoy. For me, that is running with my daughter, But If you are over 50 years old, like me, you are more likely to be living with a chronic illness.
For me, it is diabetes. For you it may be lung or heart disease, or cancer. If you get the flu, these conditions can be worsened and can cause serious illness.
It made sense to me that the best time to get your flu shot is in the fall, before flu season peaks. This is when I get my flu shot every year! Have you ever gotten a flu shot? If not, that is OK! You can get one now!
If you aren’t sure about where to get your vaccination or what your options are, you can speak with your healthcare provider, or visit the Vaccine Finder on GetMyShot.org.
Be sure to follow the American Lung Association on:
Facebook and Twitter.
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