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.
I am a big proponent of getting the annual flu shot. Earlier this year I wrote about the time my husband and I had the flu at the same time. It was not fun and it is one of the factors that has caused me to make sure I get my flu shot every year. I also have chronic health problems so I fall into one of the groups of people that are particularly vulnerable to the flu. It gets even better – I’m 60 and the hubby is 68. So as much as it pains me to admit it, we are seniors and that means we are both in another group that has cause to worry when the flu strikes.
Get Your Annual Flu Shot
Fall is the perfect time to get your influenza vaccination. It does take about two weeks for the antibodies to develop and start helping to protect you from the flu. Here are some flu facts you should keep in mind:
- The flu can worsen asthma and other respiratory disorders like COPD and can lead to pneumonia
- The flu can worsen chronic health conditions such as lung disease, heart disease and diabetes
- Multiple studies have shown increased risk of heart attack and stroke after a flu infection
- Getting a flu shot can reduce the risk of dying of the flu for older adults
With all of that in mind, why wouldn’t you want to get vaccinated? Especially, if like me you are 50 years of age and older. Actually I now have bumped into a new demographic range – I turned 60 this summer. It’s hard for me to believe that but I did. You can’t stop time – but you can try to help prevent catching the flu!
Each Year’s Flu is Different
The flu strain(s) change from year to year so you need to get a new flu shot each year to make sure you are up to date. You can talk to your health care provider about getting the flu shot or you can use the Vaccine Finder from the American Lung Association’s GetMyShot.org. Just click the button in the upper right and it will let you know where you can find the flu shot in your area (up to a 50 mile radius.) I’m sure you want to help protect yourself and those around you by getting your flu shot.
It’s no fun being sick and it’s even worse if the flu devolves into something else or exacerbates another condition. I know that any time I catch something it’s not long before the hubby has it and vice versa. This is why it is so important that anyone who can get the flu shot does so; some people are immuno-suppressed and can’t get the shot along with babies under 6 months. They are also the two most vulnerable groups for suffering from the flu and the worst it can bring. The whole point of vaccinations is helping to stop the spread of infectious diseases. So let’s do what we can to stop the flu. I get my flu shot every year – and so does the hubby – how about you?
Now is the Time to Go Get That Shot!
If you want more information about where you can get the flu shot go to GetMyShot.org there you will find a Vaccine Finder that will lead you to locations in your area (within a 50 mile radius.) Or just ask your health care provider! I have gotten my flu shot at my doctor’s office and at my favorite pharmacy.
Just be sure you get the annual flu shot!
You can learn more at GetMyShot and on the American Lung Association Facebook/Twitter pages
