Todays’ post is being written by my mommy so I’m going to let her take over on this very important topic.
As a medic in the US Army we take our vaccinations very seriously. The average US Army soldier has had more vaccinations that the average person. One of those that we do yearly and without fail is the Flu Vaccination. With the “mission” always our main focus, how can we do our job if our troops is sick with the Flu? Early in October we get our flu vaccines and we vaccinate our entire company. We even vaccinate our pregnant soldiers. Getting vaccinated during pregnancy is safe and can protect the mother and the baby for up to 6 months after birth. We go through the training that is needed because every year something new is discovered. Every year the strain becomes a little different. Since I’m being protected then why not my family? My kids get their vaccinations every year as well. It not only protects them but I feel a lot better knowing that they are protected. That little mosquito bite can cause death and I would much prefer my kids to feel the prick of a needle than one from a mosquito that can kill them. From December 7 – 13 it’s National Influenza Vaccination Week and the CDC (Center for Disease Control) wants to spread the message of why you need to be vaccinated.
 |
| Madison waiting on first flu shot |
The CDC has noticed that the influenza vaccination activity drops quickly after the end of November. CDC and its partners want to remind you that even though the holiday season has arrived, it is not too late to get your flu vaccine. As long as flu viruses are spreading and causing illness, vaccination can provide protection against the flu and should continue. Even unvaccinated people who have already gotten sick with one flu virus can still benefit from vaccination, since the flu vaccine protects against three or four different flu viruses (depending on which flu vaccine you receive) expected to circulate each season.
So who should get vaccinated?
The CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older as the first and most important step in protecting against influenza disease.
Why do you need it yearly?
The Flu virus is always changing and new vaccines are made each year so that the vaccine protects against the currently circulating influenza viruses. The immune protection from vaccinations also declines over time, so vaccination is recommended every season for optimal protection.
Who are most at risk and should get vaccinated?
For people at high risk, getting the flu can mean developing serious flu-related complications, like pneumonia, or a worsening of existing health conditions, which can lead to hospitalization or death. People at high risk of serious flu complications include young children, pregnant women, people with certain chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart and lung disease, and people age 65 years and older.
Who should not get the flu vaccine?
If you have an egg allergy or you’re allergic to any of the ingredients in the vaccine you should talk to your doctor. If you also have a history of GBS (Guillain-Barré Syndrome) you should not get the vaccine. Talk to your doctor about your GBS history.
Here are the CDC’s three step approach to fighting the flu:
1. Take time to get a flu vaccine.
2. Take everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs that can cause respiratory illnesses like the flu. While these actions are helpful, remember that vaccination is the most important step in preventing flu.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
- While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. After using a tissue, throw it in the trash and wash your hands.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth because germs spread this way.
3. Take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them.
- Antiviral drugs are different from antibiotics. Antiviral drugs fight viruses (like flu viruses) in your body; antibiotics fight bacterial infections.
- For those with flu who also have a high risk medical condition, treatment with an antiviral drug can mean the difference between having a milder illness versus a very serious illness that could result in a hospital stay.
- If you get the flu, the earlier you begin taking antivirals, the better.
We take getting the flu vaccine very seriously in my family and so should you? If you’re still unsure about whether you or your children need it or not, talk to your doctor, your child’s doctor or other health care professional about whether it’s safe for you. The flu vaccines are offered in many locations, including doctor’s offices, clinics, health departments, retail stores and pharmacies, and health centers, as well as by many employers and schools. Go out and get yours today!
So have you gotten your Flu Vaccine as yet?
Disclosure: This is a “sponsored post”. The company who sponsored this post did compensate me with a gift, or something else of value to write it. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
