Stay Healthy this Flu Season

Flu season is upon us and, as is the case every year, the Centers for Disease Control and (CDC) encourages everyone to get a flu vaccine. Flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, visits to the doctor, and missed work and school due to flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations. Bottom line: the more people who get vaccinated, the more people will be protected from flu.

According to CDC, here are some things to consider for the 2016-17 flu season:

• Only injectable flu shots are recommended this season

• Flu vaccines have been updated to better match circulating viruses

• There will be some new vaccines on the market this season

• The recommendations for vaccination of people with egg allergies have changed (for more on this, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/vaccine/egg-allergies.htm)

Based on the above information, it’s important to note that, while it may be available, the nasal spray vaccine is not recommended during the 2016-2017 season because of concerns about its effectiveness.

CDC suggested that everyone six months and older should get an annual flu vaccine by the end of October, if possible. However, if you don’t get vaccinated until later in the season, that’s good too – people can get flu shots any time during flu season, even into January and February. In the United States, influenza activity typically begins in October and November, peaks between December and March, and can last as late as May. Because it takes about two weeks after vaccination for the body’s immune response to fully respond to the flu shot, many people get vaccinated before flu activity actually begins. CDC also recommends that people get a flu vaccine every season – even if they got vaccinated the season before and even if the viruses in the vaccine have not changed for the current season.

Flu shots are offered by many doctor’s offices, clinics, health departments, pharmacies, urgent care clinics, and college health centers. Many employers and schools now offer flu vaccines as well so it’s easier than ever to get vaccinated.

Remember, it’s possible to get the flu even if you have been vaccinated so continue to practice good health habits like washing your hands often and covering your mouth when you cough and covering your nose when you sneeze.

It’s been projected that between 157 million and 168 million doses of injectable vaccine will be given in the U.S. during the 2016-2017 flu season. Will you be getting one of those doses?