This post is made possible by the American Lung Association, in collaboration with Sanofi Pasteur as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.
Have you ever had the flu? I mean influenza, the real flu and not a bad cold. I have and it’s not pretty. In fact the hubby and I had the flu AT THE SAME TIME. This was back before the internet age so there is no actual photographic proof of this. But trust me, I remember it well. So when I tell you it’s not too late to get a flu shot I am only trying to save you from the worst of the flu. We were both so sick we could not
even take care of each other. One of the worst symptoms for us were the chills; we would have them alternatingly. He would have them, then I would have them. It was like those old motel beds where you could drop in a quarter and it would shake – only we were doing the shaking sans quarters.
I vowed NEVER AGAIN.
From then on the hubby and I always got our flu shots. In the Fall. Every year without fail.
It’s Not Too Late to Get a Flu Shot
So you didn’t get your shot in the Fall, that doesn’t mean it’s too late to get a flu shot! Getting the flu shot does not only benefit you it helps prevent the spread of flu to people around you. This is why vaccinations are important; if people get their flu shots it can help stop the spread of flu to those who are immuno-suppressed or unable to be vaccinated.
Of course it’s important to see and talk to your healthcare provider about any health issues you might have. For example, after I had my aneurysm surgery I was left with chronic problems. Don’t get me wrong, I am very happy to be alive but I have to deal with many issues. But I was strongly advised to get the flu shot I was already getting the flu shot so that was nothing new – as I noted above, I was determined to never have the flu again.
Flu Shot When You are Over 50
If you are over 50 and/or have a chronic health problem it is even more important that you get the flu shot every year. Did you know that the flu is not the same from year to year? It isn’t! Each year the flu shot is designed to deal with the flu strains that are expected. Sometimes the vaccine hits the mark compared to the circulating strains, other years it might not be as good of a match – but it is still important to get vaccinated.
If you have asthma, heart disease, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) or diabetes you are at particular risk from complications from the flu and should especially be sure to get your flu shot every year. Just listen to this story from JoJo who has asthma:
She didn’t think she needed the flu shot…until she did.
Where Can You Get a Flu Shot?
You have a world of options as to where you can get your flu shot. I have gotten mine at my doctor’s office and at a local pharmacy. If you need help in finding where you can get one you can check Get MyShot.org and click on the vaccine finder. It will give you options within a 50 mile radius of where you live.
I am speaking from experience when I tell you that you do not want the flu. It is not pleasant and the impacts on your overall health can last beyond the duration of the flu itself. So go get a flu shot. It’s not too late!
Learn more at: MyShot/Stories
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