Last year was rough for us health-wise. Hayden got the flu TWICE, the second time being on his 7th birthday. While the girls tested negative for the flu, they both were in the emergency room at separate times getting fluids for being sick. This flu season, I’m trying to be prepared. I’ve got an air purifier, essential oil cleaning supplies and we will definitely be getting our flu shot this year – because I’ve got no time for the flu!
How serious is it?
When is “flu season?”
Flu season does not necessarily have a specific start and end date. The timing, severity and length of the annual flu season vary, but outbreaks can begin as early as October, and has a tendency of peaking around January.
How long is the flu contagious?
The flu can spread before someone even realizes they’re sick, since most healthy adults can infect others 1 day before and up to 5-7 days after becoming sick. For children and those with weakened immune systems, that period can be even longer.
Did you know there are several options available for flu shots?
- Regular seasonal flu shot – CVS is offering the Trivalent and Quadrivalent shot this year. The Trivalent Vaccine (TIV) contains 2 A strains and 1 B strain of the influenza virus. This has been the standard flu vaccine since the late 1970s. The Quadrivalent Vaccine (QIV) protects against an additional B strain. This vaccine was created based on research from the past 12 influenza seasons. This vaccine offers an additional layer of protection against the flu.
- Intradermal shot for those who might be squeamish about needles (approved for adults 18-64; may not be covered by all insurance providers) CVS is not offering the intradermal shot this year.
- High dose vaccination for customers 65 years and up (provides an elevated level of antigens, which create a stronger immune response in seniors)
Will my flu shot be covered by insurance at MinuteClinic?
Flu Vaccination: Myth Busting!
- I only need to get vaccinated once. MYTH! A new flu vaccine is developed every year to fight the strains that are most likely to be prevalent for the season. It is important to get your flu shot each year, before the start of flu season!
- People start getting sick once cold weather hits, so the fall is too early to get my shot. MYTH! The CDC recommends getting vaccinated as soon as the vaccine becomes available (usually end of September or October). Unfortunately, outbreaks can happen before Halloween! It takes about two weeks for antibodies to develop in your body to provide protection, so it’s never too soon!
- Can’t you get sick from the flu shot? MYTH! It is 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 is 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 at the injection site!)
Prevention:
How can I protect myself, and my family from the flu? Vaccination is the first line of defense against the flu. Eating right, exercising regularly, washing your hands and getting enough sleep (7-8 hours a night!) can also help, but the single most effective way to avoid getting the flu, is 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 and older be vaccinated, including those who were vaccinated last season.
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. When you wash, wet hands thoroughly, work up a lather and scrub for at least 20 seconds. Alcohol-based sanitizer is not as effective as hand-washing but it’s a great alternative.
- 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 believed to be mainly spread from person-to-person contact (coughing and sneezing doesn’t help!)
- If you are sick, stay home from school or work to keep others from getting infected.
- Disinfect surfaces. Use a product that kills household germs and be sure to thoroughly wipe down handles, faucets and all surfaces that you touch often – don’t forget your workspace and car! If you use public transportation, be sure to wash your hands as soon as you get to your destination.
- Think you might be sick? Don’t wait and see – get help right away! Early flu treatment (within 72 hours of exposure to the virus) has been proven to reduce the length and severity of illness. If you think you might have the flu or have been exposed to someone with the flu, see a health care professional right away.
Where can I learn more about the flu? To learn more about the flu, how to keep yourself healthy, and what to do if you do get sick visit www.cdc.gov/flu and check out .
Check out from MinuteClinic Chief Nurse Practitioner Officer Angela Patterson.
How do you fight the flu?
Disclosure: I received compensation for the post but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Janet W. says
We just got our flu shots about a week ago! Hope it gives us a ton of protection. Nobody wants the flu!
Julie Wood says
We are all getting the flu shot because it is our best defense against the flu, and if you get the flu, the symptoms will be milder. That is what the Doctor on TV said. The MinuteClinic is a fast way to get a flu shot!
Elena says
Thank you for reminding me to get the flu shot. I am going to get one this week
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shelly peterson says
It’s hard to believe it’s that time of year already …flu season….yuck.. I hate it. No one likes being sick for sure, thanks for sharing all this information!