Now that the blissful days of sun, surf and sand are over, here in New England we are lucky enough to experience the beauty of fall. Although we enjoy the leaves changing color and pumpkin flavored everything, fall also means something not as enjoyable: The Start of Flu Season.
Over the past few years, it seems that the hype of the flu
shot has been dramatized. From children
to the elderly, people ask themselves “Will the flu shot give me the flu?” “I’ve
never gotten the flu shot or the flu before, so why do I need to get the shot
now?”
The answers to these questions are: the flu shot will NOT
give you the flu, and yes, you DO need the flu shot. According to the American Academy of
Pediatrics, all children ages 6 months or older be immunized against influenza
as soon as the vaccine is available.
Getting the flu shot is the best way to protect yourself and others against
the seasonal flu.
Each year between 3,000 and 49,000
people in the US and approximately 500,000 worldwide die from the flu and its
complications. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, seasonal
flu vaccines reduce the risk of illness in those vaccinated by about 60%.
As we fall back into our favorite
season, it’s important to remember to wash our hands frequently, get plenty of
sleep and most importantly, get the flu shot!
Stay healthy!
Ashley
