5 Reasons to Get the Flu Vaccine

We all make excuses for not making our health more of a priority – especially when it comes to getting the flu vaccine. Often times, those who haven’t gotten the flu in a long time or don’t get extremely ill with the flu do not see a reason to get the vaccine. However, getting vaccinated is more about taking steps to stop the spread of the flu – especially to those who may not handle the flu as well as a normal healthy adult – including children, the elderly, and those with chronic illness and health conditions.

Not convinced yet? Here are five reasons to get your flu vaccine.

Number 1: The flu vaccine reduces your risk of getting the flu.

According to the CDC, even in average spread years the flu affects millions of people, leading to hospitalizations and even death for some. When the vaccine is well-matched to circulating strains of the virus, it can reduce your risk of getting the flu by 40-60%.

Even if you do get sick with the flu, vaccinated individuals tend to have milder symptoms, shorter illness, and fewer complications.

While the vaccination doesn’t promise that you won’t get the flu, it does decrease the risk of not only getting sick with the flu – but spreading it to your loved ones and community.

Number 2: It reduces your likelihood of getting seriously ill.

The flu isn’t just “a bad cold” - it can be dangerous. Some people with the flu end up in the hospital with breathing problems, high fever, and even pneumonia. The flu vaccine lowers your risk of these serious complications. For older adults and young children, who are at the most risk of serious complications, the vaccine can be lifesaving.

To learn more about when the flu becomes an emergency, click here.

Number 3: It protects the people around you.

When you get your flu vaccine, you’re not just helping yourself – you're helping others. The flu spreads quickly. You can pass along the flu to others before you begin experiencing symptoms. Getting vaccinated reduces your risk of getting the flu – therefore it reduces your chance of spreading the flu. While passing the flu to another healthy adult may result in a few days of missed work or school – the spread of flu to babies, grandparents, pregnant mothers and friends who have weak immune systems can cause serious health complications for them.

Number 4: It’s helpful if you have other health issues.

If you already have health issues like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or lung problems, the flu can make these conditions worse. For example, someone with asthma might have more flare-ups, or someone with heart disease can have additional stress on their body and heart. The flu vaccine gives you an additional layer of protection and lowers your chances of your health problems getting worse during flu season.

Number 5: It’s safe, quick, and easy to get.

The flu shot has been around for many years and has been proven safe. You can get it at your doctor’s office, local pharmacy, or even at some local community health events. If you are averse to shots, there is also a flu vaccine nasal spray. Most people only have soreness in their arm for a day or two. Doctors recommend that everyone 6 months and older get the flu vaccine every year.

Clearing Up Common Myths

Myth 1: The flu vaccine gives you the flu. This is false. You might feel a little achy or tired for a day or so, but that’s your body helping build your immune system.

Myth 2: I never get sick, so I don’t need it. This is false – even healthy people can catch the flu and spread it to others – often before symptoms appear. Getting vaccinated helps protect everyone.

Myth 3: It’s too late to get the vaccine. Also, false! The flu season lasts well into the spring, and the vaccine can still help even if you get it later in the season.

Getting your flu vaccine is one of the simplest and easiest things you can do to protect yourself. It helps you stay healthy, decreases your chance of hospitalization, and protects your loved ones and community. When more people get vaccinated, the whole community is stronger and safer.

So don’t wait – make your flu vaccine part of your yearly routine. To find a primary care provider who can help – visit www.lcmh.com/find-a-doc or call 800.494.5264.

References:

Center of Disease Control – Benefits of Flu Vaccine

Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy – University of Minnesota

FDA – U.S. Food & Drug Administration – It's a Good Time to Get Your Flu Vaccine