Flu Vaccine Is The Best Way To Avoid The Flu

By Author: T. Cowan
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Nobody wants to get the flu. The body aches, fever, sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, weakness and time away from work and school are no fun at all.

Nobody wants to get the flu. The body aches, fever, sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, weakness and time away from work and school are no fun at all. Unfortunately, too many people forget how bad the flu can be each season and make the poor decision to forego getting a flu vaccine. Some claim they are just too busy to make an appointment, while still others think they don’t need a flu vaccine.

In previous flu seasons, there may have been confusion about who really needed a flu vaccine each year. Many public health communications emphasized the need for high risk individuals like pregnant women and seniors to be vaccinated. In 2010, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expanded their recommendation for annual influenza vaccination to include all people aged 6 months and older. The reason is simple: Flu vaccine saves lives and is important for people of all ages.

Every flu season the ...
... general public is encouraged to get an annual flu vaccine. And, each year a large segment of the population ignores this good advice. One reason given by healthy adults is that the flu is “no big deal.” Perhaps they recall having a mild case of flu in the past, or believe flu is no worse than a bad cold. Unfortunately, this is simply not the case. The flu can be both deadly and unpredictable. Even healthy young adults may find themselves suddenly seriously ill or even hospitalized from complications stemming from influenza. Health experts agree that getting a flu vaccine is the best way to prevent the spread of the flu virus. Predictions regarding this years are already being reported, including the fact that:

• This year’s seasonal flu vaccine will cover most of the influenza viruses that are likely en route from the southern hemisphere.

• A new swine flu is starting to infect people in the United States, but most of the reported cases so far are mild.

• The best way to avoid coming down with the flu is to get a seasonal flu vaccine

For decades, public health experts have promoted the safety and effectiveness of flu vaccine when it comes to fighting flu. As kids go back to school and fall approaches, now is the time to begin thinking about flu. By now, many healthcare providers have already purchased their orders of flu vaccine and are busy making plans for annual flu vaccine clinics. Many employers now make it easier for their employees to get vaccinated by offering clinics in the workplace. This convenience eliminates one more excuse people may have for skipping their vaccination.

Getting an annual flu vaccine protects you from the flu virus, and has the added benefit of protecting those you interact with. Loved ones and coworkers all benefit when you make the smart decision to get an annual flu vaccine. A flu vaccine is the number one way to stop the infectious spread of influenza, and also the easiest. With the coming 2012-13 flu season, healthcare providers know that the flu virus is nothing to sneeze at and since last year’s s flu season was mild, many are bracing for a more severe outbreak this year.

Although flu season lasts from October through March, people should begin receiving their annual flu vaccine as early as September, if it is available. Getting immunized early will keep you protected throughout flu season which often peaks in severity in January or later. Receiving an annual flu vaccine will not only protect you, but also everyone you come in contact with.

Each year the flu kills more people than all vaccine-preventable diseases combined. No matter what you’ve heard, the flu is not just a very bad cold. The easiest and most effective way to begin turning that statistic around is for everyone to get an annual flu vaccine. Schedule yours today. Flu vaccine saves lives.
Resource: http://www.fffenterprises.com/News/Article_2008-06-10.aspx