I had my annual checkup the other day.  Always a lot of fun.  Blah blah blah, you need to lose weight, blah blah blah.  While I was there, I went ahead and got my flu shot.  I've gotten one every year for as long as I can remember.

Unfortunately not everyone gets the flu shot, even though it gets easier to get one every year.

Why should people get vaccinated against the flu?   Influenza is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death. Every flu season is different, and influenza infection can affect people differently. Even healthy people can get very sick from the flu and spread it to others. Over a period of 31 seasons between 1976 and 2007, estimates of flu shots the United States range from a low of about 3,000 to a high of about 49,000 people. During a regular flu season, about 90 percent of deaths occur in people 65 years and older. “Flu season” in the United States can begin as early as October and last as late as May.

During this time, flu viruses are circulating at higher levels in the U.S. population. An annual seasonal flu vaccine (either the flu shot or the nasal spray flu vaccine) is the best way to reduce the chances that you will get seasonal flu and spread it to others. When more people get vaccinated against the flu, less flu can spread through that community.

Get more information about why you should get your flu shot every year, right here

 

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