Don’t Forget Your Flu Shot

Annual vaccine is the best way to prevent the flu

The flu virus is not fun. It causes high fever, headaches, body pains, extreme fatigue, sore throat, cough and other unpleasant symptoms. While some cases of flu are mild, others can be more serious and even life-threatening. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 36,000 Americans die and more than 200,000 are hospitalized each year due to complications from the flu.

An annual flu shot is your best protection. Why annually? There are different strains of flu every year, and the flu shot reduces the likelihood you will contract the flu virus. When more people get vaccinated, less flu infection can spread throughout the community.

The CDC recommends that adults and children ages 6 months and older receive an annual flu shot. Those with the most compromised immune systems — including children younger than 5; adults over age 65; pregnant women; and people with various medical conditions, like asthma, chronic lung disease and heart disease — are at a higher risk of developing complications from the flu.

In addition to receiving the flu vaccine, follow these tips to help prevent the spread of the flu:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth unless you have just washed your hands.
• Eat well, exercise, drink lots of water and get enough sleep.
• Try to avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.

Flu Shot Clinics
Inova offers community flu shot clinics for adults and children 6 months and older. See the schedule and learn more about fighting the flu.