The first and most important step in fighting flu is to get a flu shot!
Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness that spreads through droplets in the air when a person with flu coughs, sneezes, or talks. You can catch the illness simply by being near a sick person or touching a surface where droplets are present. Influenza can lead to serious and even life-threatening complications. A yearly flu shot is the best protection against seasonal influenza. The American Association of Pediatrics recommends everyone 6 months and older get vaccinated, preferably before the end of October.
Key Reasons to Get a Flu Shot
The flu vaccine…
- reduces flu illnesses, complications, hospitalization, and even death.
- reduces school absences and missed work days.
- helps protect vulnerable populations, such as young children, pregnant women, adults aged 65 and older, and people with chronic health conditions.
- helps protect pregnant women from flu illness and hospitalization, and helps protect the baby from flu infection for several months after birth, before the baby can receive the vaccine.
