As shorter days and cooler temperatures move into the area, so does the flu virus. Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory disease that infects the nose, throat and lungs. The flu can lead to serious complications, hospitalizations or even death.

Although most healthy adults feel that the vaccine might not be needed, everyone needs to get a flu vaccine, because the flu affects everybody! Young children, older adults, and people with certain chronic medical diseases are especially vulnerable to the flu; but even healthy people can, and do, get the flu. The Centers for Disease Control recommends annual flu vaccination for everyone aged 6 months and older.

The fact is the Flu vaccine will NOT give you the flu. It is SAFE! Vaccine safety is closely monitored by the Centers for Disease Control and the Food and Drug Administration. Hundreds of millions of doses of the flu vaccine have been administered safely to a wide variety of people for decades.

Common side effects of a flu shot are soreness and redness where the shot was given and a low fever or achiness. If you experience these side effects at all, remember, they are side effects, NOT flu symptoms.

The flu vaccine is currently available in an abundant supply through our local area, vaccines are offered at doctor’s offices, community health centers (like Terry Reilly), health departments, pharmacies and urgent care centers.

THE BEST PROTECTION AGAINST THE FLU IS TO GET VACCINATED! DON’T WAIT! DO IT TODAY.

Protect yourself, protect your family, protect your friends; get your flu vaccination!

by Don Morrison, RN
Director of Nursing