The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is to get vaccinated every flu season. The flu is a contagious respiratory illness which can lead to severe illness, hospitalization and even death. The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get the vaccine especially those who are at higher risk for complications.
Flu season begins in October and lasts until early spring ( peaking in January and February). The CDC recommends getting the flu shot by the end of October keeping in mind it does take several weeks to help build immunity and is offered throughout the flu season.
People often wonder why get the flu vaccine if it’s only 40%-50% effective. The answer is that it offers at least some protection and it will help to lessen the severity of the illness and reduce hospitalization and possible death. People infected with the flu may be infectious to others beginning one day before onset of symptoms and up to 5-7 days after becoming sick.. For this reason it’s always important to follow ways to help slow the spread of the virus such as frequent hand washing, always cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze and cough, stay home if you feel sick, avoid toughing your eyes, nose and mouth and get vaccinated.
There are different flu vaccines approved for use in different groups of people. This year, all of the vaccines protect against 4 different strains of the flu. Keep in mind that the flu and COVID-19 are 2 different viruses and require 2 different vaccinations. The CDC recommends both and that it is safe to receive them at the same time..
You can schedule a flu shot at your local pharmacy, primary health care provider or visit vaccines.gov/flu.