It’s back…flu vaccine season, September 2016

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness that is caused by influenza viruses. For your protection, an annual flu vaccine is a great way to reduce the risk of getting and spreading the flu.

With each flu season being different, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend that everyone over the age of six months get vaccinated every year to protect yourself and your family. New vaccines are customized each year to accommodate the influenza viruses. Refer to the CDC website for more information on flu vaccine recommendations.

Tips to stay healthy this flu season:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water

• Avoid touching your nose, eyes and mouth

• Cover your mouth with a tissue when sneezing or coughing, then discard

• When ill, keep distance from other people to avoid getting them sick

• Take precautions to prevent spreading germs

Children and individuals with certain medical conditions are at a higher risk for flu complications. Adults over the age of 65 are also at a greater risk of getting the flu. In fact, over 80% of the flu related deaths in recent years were among people aged 65 and over.

It takes about two weeks after receiving the vaccination for antibodies to build up in our bodies to provide protection against the flu virus. It’s good to get your flu vaccine earlier in the fall, before the heightened flu season gets under way in October through May.

Anyone that is allergic to eggs or any ingredient in the influenza vaccine should consult with their physician or healthcare provider regarding the vaccine. It is safe for pregnant women to get the flu vaccine. Contact your physician’s office to check if the vaccine has arrived and to schedule your flu shot or if you have questions. It is also a good time to check if you are in need of additional vaccinations.

Contributed by The Physician Alliance, one of Michigan's largest physician organizations serving more than 2,200 physicians in southeast Michigan.

This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult your doctor for more information or if you have a medical concern.

Source: American College of Radiology; American Academy of Family Physicians; Agency for Health Care Research & Policy; Centers for Disease Control; ChoosingWisely.org; American College of Physicians

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