Another flu season is upon us! It is time to roll up your sleeves and arm yourself with a flu shot. The Influenza virus can be found year-round, but flu infections peak when temperatures drop in the fall and last until early spring, typically from October through April.
Importance of 2021 Flu Vaccination
Flu symptoms and COVID-19 symptoms are very similar. Arming yourself with the flu shot avoids worries that come with being unsure of what could be causing your cough and/or other flu-like symptoms.
Help reduce the burden of a strained healthcare system. Patients are being turned away because hospital beds are full as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. Protecting yourself with the flu shot makes it less likely you will need to seek medical care during the flu season.
Holidays are approaching which will mean many will be traveling to spend time with friends and family. Being around crowds increases the risk of exposure to the flu. A flu shot prevents you from getting friends and family sick.
Avoid Severe Flu Symptoms
Many are more vulnerable to serious complications from the flu, these include:
Adults 65 years and older
Asthma
Cancer
Chronic Lung Disease
Diabetes
Heart Disease
Kidney Disease
Liver Disease
Getting your flu shot today is your best chance to avoid flu-related hospitalizations. If you or someone you care for are among those most vulnerable, opting for a flu shot can help prevent hospitalization.
Influenza: Stop the Spread
The flu is spread by droplets that get released into the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks.
Proper Handwashing
Using proper handwashing techniques to reduce the spread of germs such as the flu and COVID-19.
Flu Vaccine
Each flu season is different, which is why the vaccine is recommended annually for everyone aged 6 months and older.
Immunity-Boosters
Consult with your Neighborhood Pharmacist regarding the use of OTC products such as Vitamin C, Elderberry, & Zinc to help keep your body’s immune system in prime condition.
How Does the Flu Shot Work?
Once you get your flu shot, it takes two weeks for antibodies to develop to provide you with protection. Each flu season, scientists do diligent research and examine trends from previous flu infection databases to determine which variants of the flu virus are going to cause the most infections. There are several FDA-approved vaccines for the Influenza virus.
Consult with your Neighborhood Pharmacist to determine which is the best vaccine for you.
Factors to Keep in Mind as You Make Your Vaccine Plans for the 2021 Flu Season
We have all heard of COVID fatigue; people are growing weary of staying home and dealing with all the necessary precautions. Frontline workers are especially worn out from the current pandemic. By taking your flu shot, you help not put any additional strain on our severely burdened Healthcare System.
Our focal point for vaccines has been on COVID-19, however, the Influenza virus does not take a break because of an existing global pandemic. A flu shot is an opportunity for you to take care of your health and prevent a possible double infection as has occurred with patients who got both pneumonia and COVID at the same time.
As the holiday season rolls in, many will be making plans to spend time with friends and family. An increase in the number of people traveling will heighten your risk of exposure to the flu. A flu shot is a form of added protection for you and your family. Make a plan with your Neighborhood Pharmacy to get your flu shot right away.
COVID-19 quarantine restrictions that were in place last year meant many people did not make it out to get their flu shots last season. With so many people opting to stay home last year and skipping the flu shot, your immune system will not be properly primed for this season without a 2021 flu shot.
Debunking Flu Shot Myths
The Flu shot I got last year is still ok.
FALSE – the effectiveness of the flu shot wears off over time. There are also different strains of the flu virus that cause infections each season. Scientists work hard to predict which strains should go into the flu vaccine each year. These are the reasons why an annual flu vaccine booster is needed.
I am better off getting sick with the flu.
FALSE – Getting the flu can lead to hospitalization or even death. We also know that hospitals are currently dealing with a high volume of COVID patients. Being hospitalized for the flu can be avoided by getting your flu shot.
If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of getting your Flu shot or would like to come in for one, we at Delaune’s Pharmacy in New Iberia, Louisiana are here to help! Call us today at (337) 364-7671.
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