Key Facts About Seasonal Flu
Flu vaccination
Influenza (flu) can be a potentially serious respiratory illness that may
lead to hospitalization and/or death. The flu season each year, varies
greatly depending on the strain of virus and how individuals are affected
by it. Each year, millions of people get the flu; thousands are hospitalized,
and up to tens of thousands die from flu related illnesses.
Seasonal flu vaccine is the best protection
The best protection against the flu is to get vaccinated each season. With
the possibility of the flu virus and COVID-19 virus both spreading this
fall, getting a flu vaccine will be more important than ever. Vaccination
is recommended for all people age 6months and older, who do not have contraindications
to the vaccine.
Each season, scientists develop a new vaccine to target the constantly
changing flu virus. Most flu vaccines developed in the U.S. protect against
four different flu viruses called a “quadrivalent” vaccine.
A person’s immunity weakens over time; therefore, making it important
to receive an annual vaccine for optimal protection. And, approximately
two weeks after vaccination, the body develops antibodies for protection
against the viruses used to make the annual Influenza vaccine.
Benefits
Getting vaccinated has many benefits:
-It may keep you from getting sick with the flu
-It may reduce the risk of flu associated hospitalization
-It is a preventive measure for people with chronic health conditions
-It helps protect women during & after pregnancy
-It has been shown to reduce severity of illness in people who still get the flu
-It may protect those around you
-It will not protect against COVID-19, but it could reduce risk from flu,
prevent hospitalization and help conserve scarce health care resources
When & how to get vaccinated
Because immunity takes up to two weeks to develop, you should plan to get
vaccinated
prior to the flu virus breaking out in your community.
Make plans now to receive your vaccination early in the fall, before flu
season begins. Vaccinations are conveniently offered at doctor’s
offices, drug stores and flu clinics.
If you prefer to schedule an on-site vaccination clinic, please click here __
corporate health link _-
For more information about the Flu, visit
www.cdc.gov
*References
www.cdc.gov publications
Influenza Vaccine Benefits, Get vaccinated fact sheet, flu season, flu
and COVID-19