It’s almost February and you may be thinking that it’s too late to get a flu vaccine if you haven’t already. But did you know that it’s not too late? The season flu usually peaks from December to February but can last as late as May. I just got my flu shot 2 weeks ago and I’m so glad I did. This year is an especially bad one, thanks to the “H3N2” predominant strain, a particularly nasty strain of the flu virus. Even though this year’s vaccine is being a poor match for the H3N2 virus, the CDC continues to urge people to get vaccinated since vaccination may still offer some protection. Like every year, there are also flu strains out there that the vaccine IS a match for.
The flu is such a serious disease, so why not do what you can to prevent it from hitting your household? Getting the flu vaccine is especially important for people living with a chronic condition, pregnant women, young children, or adults 65+.
“Take 3” with the CDC
There’s 3 actions you can do this year to protect yourself and others from the flu.
1) Take time to get a flu vaccine every year, the first and most important step in protecting against flu and its potentially serious complications.
2) Take everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs. Check out these 6 healthy habits to help prevent the flu.
3) Take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them.
Many people are still getting the flu this year even though they received the flu vaccine – my son is one of them! Thankfully, we started antiviral medicine within 48 hours which shortened the flu and made him feel better and able to get back to school quicker.
The CDC has recommended the use of antiviral drugs as an adjunct to vaccination. They’re the only medicines that can specifically treat flu. CDC scientists have looked very carefully at the use of influenza drugs in the clinical setting, and the conclusion is clear, they work but they aren’t being used nearly enough. Quick antiviral treatment can mean the difference between a milder illness and a stay in the hospital or even death.
Make it a priority to go get your flu shot this year! There’s many groceries and drug stores that even offer it so you can cross it off your list while you’re picking up all your household staples. Getting the flu vaccine is the best way to prevent yourself and your loved ones from getting the flu.
Have you gotten a flu shot yet?
Disclosure: This post is part of the blogger program by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)and The Motherhood, who compensated me for my time. Opinions shared here are my own.
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I get a flu shot every year and it usually works well. This year, both my hubs and I ended up with the flu that was going around in December.
I’m not going to get one this year, but I did last year! I’m sure I’ll get one next year too. The flu is a nightmare!
The flu has been going around in my town. I will have to look into getting a shot!
I got mine this year. First time in many years.
We get the flu shots every year now for the last few years.
I haven’t gotten a flu shot in years! My kids haven’t ever gotten one and we are all rarely sick! I do believe it’s a good idea for some though, I know some who don’t get it and constantly spread germs and sickness and every other week are deathly I’ll.
I didn’t know that it wasn’t too late to get a flu shot. I know that people offered them but I assumed that I had missed the window.
I got my flu shot! Although last year, I still got the flu despite the shot. It was horrible.
We normally don’t ever get the flu shot but we have been sick a lot this year! We might consider getting them.
We didn’t get ours this year. It’s an on the fence thing for us. So far we’ve been lucky…no flu (knock on wood).
This definitely has been a scary flu season! So glad the CDC is informing us why it’s still important to fight the flu!
we’re due for ours soon. It’s keep us healthy for the last few years
I am not going to lie I dont believe in the flu shot and knew several people who got the flu with the shot. This seems like an informative post but I can’t say I will be getting a shot.
I didn’t get a flu shot this season. I am doing well. I have been using essential oils to keep bugs at bay.
Yes, it is so important to get your flu shot each year. Unfortunately, not enough people do.
We get our flu shots every year. I know everyone’s been down on them this year, because they weren’t as effective. However, I figure a little effective is better than nothing. The flu is AWFUL!