This Still Time to Get the Flu Shot post is made possible by the American LungAssociation, in collaboration with Sanofi Pasteur as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.
Every year that the news announces that the flu is starting to run rampant in my area, I cringe. You see, in my opinion, not enough people get the flu shot to help protect themselves and help prevent their loved ones from getting horribly sick. It hits very close to home, my mom died of complications from COPD and was one of the vulnerable people in our society that the flu shot helps tremendously.
Still Time to Get the Flu Shot
An ounce of prevention…
There are so many different ways that I have heard of people trying to prevent getting sick. Practically bathing themselves in hand sanitizer, going the over-the-counter medicine route, and practically staying in the confines of their home until flu season passes. While the idea of burrowing under cozy blankets on my couch with my family until the coast is clear is so very appealing, we have things to do and life to live. A slight moment of discomfort from getting the vaccination can help to prevent an extremely inconvenient (who has time to be sick anyway?) and very uncomfortable illness. Plus, beyond thinking about ourselves, getting the flu vaccination can play a pivotal role in doing our part for those in our community who are at risk, like my mom was.
The flu season isn’t over yet. Luckily, you still have time to get vaccinated. Studies have shown that vaccination is still the best way to help protect against the flu. Additionally, if you are unfortunate enough to encounter the flu, getting the vaccination can help to reduce the chance of serious illness or ending up in the hospital.
My Why
I vividly remember that when I was pregnant during flu season my doctor gave me the flu vaccination at the very first visit and urged me to have my family do the same. I will admit that I did not always get it when I wasn’t pregnant, at least not for a few years. It wasn’t until my dad was in assisted living, then memory care, and then a nursing home, that I truly realized and embraced that oh hey, this isn’t just about ME not getting the flu, but about helping to prevent spreading flu to those who cannot get the vaccinations as well. Getting the flu shot doesn’t just help keep you healthy, it can also help keep the vulnerable in our community safe. Next time you see your family healthcare provider, why not ask for their opinion on the flu vaccine?
Credit: getmyshot.org/
MyShot Campaign
The American Lung Association has launched the MyShot campaign, in collaboration with Sanofi Pasteur, to help educate adults 50 years of age and older about the potentialdangers of the flu and the importance of getting an annual flu shot.Those of us who are able to get the flu shot do so to help prevent the spread of flu to those in our family, circle of friends and greater community who aren’t able to get it!
Not sure where to find out where vaccines are available in your area? Check out the Vaccine Finder on GetMyShot.org. If you’re wondering if it’s too late– there IS still time to get the flu shot!