Cold and Flu Season is officially here and it seems to be a little earlier than normal. Last week, my entire family was hit with a pretty bad stomach bug and it was so miserable. I am hoping that sickness might be it for the net few months, but you just never know. Just in case, I’m making sure our whole family gets a flu shot. Now, we can conveniently get our flu shots at the CVS MinuteClinic.

I highly recommend getting a flu shot not just for your kids but for yourself also. There’s a lot of information out there, but here is the lowdown on the flu for you.

Facts About the Flu

So, what IS the flu?

The flu is a respiratory infection caused by a virus. It can develop very quickly and with flu, you always have a fever. Other common symptoms include headache, sore throat, dry cough, stuffy or runny nose and muscle aches (ugh). I remember getting the flu one year before I had kids and it just hit me like a truck. It’s definitely not something we want as parents. Ain’t nobody got time for that.

How serious is it?

Certain people are at greater risk for complications with the flu, including seniors, young children, pregnant women and those with certain health conditions like asthma or diabetes. A misdiagnosed flu can lead to complications, so if you are unsure if it’s the flu or a cold, see your doctor or MinuteClinic practitioner.

When is “flu season?”

The timing, severity and length of the annual flu season varies from one season to another, but outbreaks can begin as early as October, and tends to peak around January or later. I heard that it’s already started early this year.

For how long is it contagious?

The flu can be passed on even before someone realizes they’re sick, since most healthy adults can infect others 1 day before and up to 5-7 days after becoming sick. Children or those with weakened immune systems, that period is even longer. That is why I like to make sure all my kids get flu shots PLUS stock up on lots of hand sanitizer.

Flu Shot Options

I know when most people think about getting a flu shot, they think of well, a shot. But there are several options now for protecting yourself against the flu.

• Regular seasonal flu shot

• Intradermal shot for those who might be squeamish about needles (approved for adults 18-64; this may or may not be covered by insurance)

• High dose vaccination for customers 65 years and older (provides an elevated level of antigens, which can create a stronger immune response in seniors)

MinuteClinic vaccinates patients 18 months and older. If you have a child between 6 and 18 months, they should receive their vaccination from a pediatrician

Will it be covered by insurance?

Health insurance plans, including Medicare Part B, typically cover the full cost of a flu shot, and MinuteClinic accepts most insurance! We also accept cash payment. And…BONUS! Customers will receive a 20% off CVS/pharmacy Shopping pass when they get a flu shot at CVS/pharmacy or MinuteClinic.

Myth Busting about the Flu Vaccination

I only need to be vaccinated once. MYTH! A new flu vaccine is developed each year to fight the strains that are most likely to be prevalent for the season, so it’s
important to get your flu shot each year.

People start getting sick once cold weather hits, so it’s too early to get my shot. MYTH! The CDC recommends to get vaccinated as soon as the vaccine becomes
available, ideally by October (outbreaks can happen before Halloween!). It takes about two weeks for antibodies to develop in your body to provide protection, so it’s
not too soon.

I’ve heard you can get sick from a flu shot. MYTH! It’s actually impossible, since the vaccine is made from an inactivated (dead!) virus, so it cannot give you the flu. If you get flu-like symptoms after getting your flu shot, it’s likely that you were exposed to the flu after you got vaccinated but before the vaccine took effect, which can be up to two weeks.
(The only real side effect of the flu vaccine might be soreness or redness where the shot was administered!)

How to Help Prevent the Flu

How can I protect myself and my family?

Vaccination is the first line of defense  against the flu. Eating right, exercising and getting plenty of rest can also help, but  the single most effective way to avoid getting the flu to get a seasonal flu shot!

Who should get the shot?

Since getting a seasonal flu vaccine is the single most  effective way to prevent getting the flu, the CDC recommends that anyone ages six  months or older be vaccinated, including those who were vaccinated last season. (At MinuteClinic, we vaccinate 18 mos. and older.)
Try some of these daily tips to keep healthy and help to prevent cold and flu:

• Wash your hands with soap and water often, especially after you cough or sneeze.

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough and sneeze, and discard of the tissue in the trash. Sneeze into your sleeve if a tissue is not  available.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, as germs can spread easily that way.

• Avoid contact with those who are sick. Flu is thought to be mainly spread from person-to-person contact (coughing and sneezing doesn’t help!).

• If you’re sick, stay home from school or work to keep others from getting infected.

I’m all about preventing the flu if I can which i why my whole family will be getting flu shots! Ain’t nobody got time to be sick this winter! Learn more about getting a flu shot at the CVS MinuteClinic!

Disclosure: I was compensated for this post but all thoughts and opinions are my own.