Everyone older than 6 months old should get a flu shot every year. The flu can make you and your loved ones very sick. In some cases, it can cause death.
The best protection you can get is with a flu shot every year. Flu season usually lasts from October through May. It is best to get the flu shot as soon as it is available. If it is still flu season, it’s not too late to get the flu shot. Some people are at higher risk for getting the flu and are more likely to have complications from the flu.
- Children younger than 5 (children younger than 2 are at highest risk).
- Pregnant women.
- People of any age with certain chronic conditions like asthma, COPD, diabetes, heart disease or a weakened immune system.
- People living in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities.
- Adults over 65.
- American Indians and Alaskan Natives.
Flu symptoms include:
- Fever.
- Chills.
- Tiredness.
- Cough.
- Sore throat.
- Runny or stuffy nose.
- Body aches.
- Headache.
Other things you can do to help avoid the flu are stay away from sick people and wash your hands often to reduce the spread of germs. If you are sick with the flu, stay home from work or school and stay away from people who are at higher risk of getting the flu. This helps prevent spreading the flu to others.
If you have questions about the flu shot, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Remember that you can earn MDwiseREWARDS points for getting an annual flu shot.
Visit MDwise.org/MDwiseREWARDS to learn more!
Sources:
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, September 15). Flu Vaccines. Retrieved from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/vaccines/vaccinations.html