A Simple Way to Stay Healthy
Being sick is never any fun. There is a simple way to avoid getting sick.
The flu. At some point in all of our lives, we all have had it. It’s miserable. The body aches. The inability to breathe. The spiking fever causing chills and sweats. The continual coughing through the night. The hope you won’t vomit in the next hour. Ugh. And despite all of the medicine we have these days, nothing cures it. We can only ride it out. Just let it do its thing while we suffer.
Flu vaccines are widely available throughout the SF Bay. It's generally free of charge and takes less than 15 minutes.
Yet there is a simple way to prevent catching the flu virus. That’s right. The annual flu vaccine shot. Most insurance covers the shot making it free. Your doctor’s office has it. Many pharmacies offer it. Health departments, urgent care clinics and other health centers all have the flu vaccination waiting for you. No appointment needed. Just walk up to the counter and ask for the flu shot. It’s easy and the momentary pinch is nothing compared to the pain and suffering of being sick.
Still not convinced the flu shot is the way to go this year? Ever have strep throat and the flu at the same time? How about the idea of having the flu and COVID-19 at the same time? As the flu weakens the immune system, it leaves you more vulnerable to the coronavirus or other viruses. Getting one illness opens the doors to other viruses and bacteria and only testing can determine exactly which virus or viruses are causing all that misery. Source: https://www.medpagetoday.com/infectiousdisease/covid19/88684
Prevent getting both the flu and the coronavirus by getting a flu shot. Vaccines make a huge difference.
It’s very possible to have both at the same time according to the CDC. In fact, San Francisco Bay Area just reported its first case of co-infection in the region as published in the SF Chronicle on October 29, 2020: https://www.sfchronicle.com/health/article/First-known-case-in-Bay-Area-of-dual-15686943.php
According to CDC medical experts, medicines for COVID-19 actually prolong the flu virus and medicines for the flu are ineffective for COVID-19. Having both infections compound and complicate the treatment protocols while taxing the medical system even further.
A simple, free vaccination:
- Keeps you from getting sick
- Keeps you at work healthy and productive
- Reduces the severity of the flu if you do catch it
- Reduces the risk of visiting the hospital
- Reduces the overall impact of respiratory illnesses
- Reduces the risk of possible co-infections of several viruses including COVID-19
Hand sanitizing, hand washing and wearing masks are fast becoming part of our healthy routine to prevent the spread of germs, bacteria and viruses.
And just like we are all doing safe practices to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to the higher risk populations, getting the flu shot is another one of those practices. The CDC recommends that all people six months or older get vaccinated against the flu every year. If you are pregnant, the flu shot will actually protect your baby for several months after it is born.
There are variations of the flu vaccination available if you are allergic to eggs or if you hate needles, you could try the nasal spray flu vaccine.
There is a high potency flu vaccine designed specifically for people over the age of 65. This vaccine delivers four times the dose in a single shot providing an even stronger immune response to the flu viruses.
For those who are older, this high potency vaccine gives you a much higher chance of preventing the flu and getting sick. Be sure to ask for it. It's only available if you are 65 years old or older.
Higher potency flu vaccines are available for everyone over the age of 65. This strength gives a senior the best possible way to avoid becoming deathly ill.
If you are around older people, like your parents or grandparents, getting your flu shot is a great way to keep them safer and reduce the risk of getting them sick this winter. Don’t be the one to pass it on. Stop the flu with you.
Are you ready to protect yourself? Are you ready to protect your family and friends? Visit www.vaccinefinder.org to find a flu vaccination clinic near you. Thank you for protecting yourself and those around you.
For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/flu or call 1-800-CDC-INFO.