n 2005, the CDC established National Influenza Vaccination Week to emphasize the importance of getting a flu vaccine during the holidays and beyond. Flu activity typically increases in October and peaks between the months of December and February. However, flu activity has been known to occur as late as May. Consequently, the first week of December is the ideal time for getting the vaccine and having ongoing protection.
There were over 49 million influenza cases during a recent flu season, more cases than the populations of Florida and Texas combined. Of all those cases, nearly 1 million individuals were hospitalized while another 80,000 died from the flu or complications associated with the illness. The CDC recommends getting the influenza vaccination for anyone over 6 months of age. If you haven’t done so already, the best way to observe National Influenza Vaccination Week is to get the vaccine.
Who is at the highest Risk of Flu-related Complications?
Getting the influenza vaccination is especially important for those individuals who are at a higher risk of experiencing complications associated with the flu. This group includes:
- Adults 65 years of age and older
- Children with neurologic conditions
- Individuals with asthma, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and HIV/AIDS
- Pregnant women
- Young children
If anyone in this group gets the flu, they are at a greater risk of contracting other illnesses including bronchitis, pneumonia, and sinus infections. Furthermore, certain chronic health conditions including asthma and heart disease tend to get worse when you have the flu. With the COVID-19 pandemic still not over, it helps to stay healthy and taking the flu shot helps to keep respiratory ailments at bay.
10 Reasons to get the Influenza Vaccine
There are 10 reasons to consider getting the flu vaccine. So, before you dismiss the idea, keep the following in mind:
- You’re responsible for protecting your family.
- The flu is considerably more serious than you think.
- Chronic medical conditions tend to worsen when you have the flu.
- Getting everyone in your family vaccinated protects vulnerable infants and toddlers.
- Getting the vaccine is easier than you think; it’s even FREE in some locations.
- The vaccine is safe and effective.
- Just like everyone else, you deserve to have a healthy life.
Don’t put yourself and your loved ones at risk this winter. Get vaccinated.