We are heading right into the peak of the flu  season. Have you gotten your flu vaccine yet? It's not too late.

Believe it or not flu seasons run from September through May, but peaks between December and March. If you haven't gotten your flu shot, what are you waiting for? According to the CDC it takes about two weeks for our bodies to develop the antibodies needed to protect us against the flu.

As the weather gets colder we spend more time indoors around other people who may have a cold or the flu, which increases our risks of getting sick. If you've ever had the flu you know you feel miserable, irritable, weak, feverish and simply put...it is no fun at all.

The good news is that the flu shot  decreases the chances of you contracting this sickness and minimizes the symptoms. Getting an annual flu vaccine is the first and best way to protect yourself and your family from the flu. Flu vaccination can reduce doctors’ visits, and missed work and school due to the flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations.

The more people who get vaccinated, the more people will be protected from the flu, including the elderly, very young children, pregnant women, and people with certain long- term health conditions who are more vulnerable to serious flu complications. This season the only vaccines that are recommended are the injectable flu vaccines. The flu shot doesn't just protect you from one strain of the virus, the vaccines protect against the three or four viruses. There are numerous flu viruses and they are constantly changing.

The timing of the flu is extremely unpredictable and varies around the country from season to season. Flu activity most commonly peaks in the United States between December and February so try to take your precautions now. Get more facts about the flu from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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