“Protect yourself this flu season with a flu shot” Piedmont Healthcare
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and medical experts across the country are urging Americans to get their flu shot this fall. With peak flu season fast approaching, health experts have emphasized that this year, more than ever, it’s important to get vaccinated for the seasonal flu.
Additionally, influenza vaccines are more available and easier to obtain this season then past influenza seasons. The CDC recommend that you start getting your flu shot.
Flu season usually starts in the fall and can last well into spring.
Flu season can be hard to predict since it usually starts in early fall around October and continues into spring. December through March are considered peak flu season in the U.S.—the time when most people get the flu. It’s good to be aware of flu season but you should also know that you can get the flu any month of the year. The best way to stay protected is by getting a yearly flu vaccination.
“Out of any year in your lifetime, this is the year to get your flu shot,” said Dr. Jane Kim, a VA physician. “This is an extraordinary year and it’s to protect you and your family. Flu shots are safe and effective. You want to be prepared and protected.”
To accommodate the expected increase in Americans getting flu vaccines this year, more flu vaccines have been orders nationwide than last year to meet the demands and avoid vaccine shortages.
Flu vaccination reduces the risk of flu illness
Had a flu shot last season? You need a new one now, and it’s best to get it early.
CDC conducts studies each year to determine how well the influenza (flu) vaccine protects against flu illness. While vaccine effectiveness (VE) can vary, recent studies show that flu vaccination reduces the risk of flu illness by between 40% and 60% among the overall population during seasons when most circulating flu viruses are well-matched to the flu vaccine. And, the flu shot “takes about two weeks after getting the vaccine into your body to build up enough antibodies to protect against the flu,” commented Jean Moorjani, MD, a pediatrician at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children.
For military veterans, getting a flu shot will be easier this year. The Community Care Network has been expanded to include more than 60K partner locations where enrolled veterans can get a no-cost flu shot. Community Care Network providers are a vital part of VA’s health care network, ensuring eligible Veterans and their beneficiaries get the timely, high-quality health care they need.
With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to persist across the United States, it is imperative for healthcare providers that come in contact with patients to get their flu shot this year. And, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, reducing the spread of respiratory illnesses, like flu, this fall and winter is more important than ever. “People are scared to go out,” Dr. Jane Kim said.
According to the CDC, for the week ending October 17, 2020, seasonal influenza activity in the United States remains low.
For more information on the flu vaccine, visit https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/keyfacts.htm and to find the location nearest to you to receive your annual flu vaccine, visit Vaccine Finder or visit your healthcare provider.
For mor information, view the videos below:
Influenza facts and advice video from the Cleveland Clinic:
References:
- https://www.cdc.gov/flu/season/index.html
- https://www.health.com/condition/cold-flu-sinus/how-long-for-flu-shot-effective
- https://www.cdc.gov/flu/vaccines-work/vaccineeffect.htm#howeffective
- https://www.flumistquadrivalent.com/about-the-flu/when-is-flu-season.html?source=fmq_c_c_168&umedium=cpc&uadpub=bing&ucampaign=flumist_ub_resources_dtc_sd_exact&ucreative=season_exact&uplace=2020influenza&outcome=udtc&cmpid=1&&msclkid=9db03de7525e16a2211862641efdcf45&gclid=9db03de7525e16a2211862641efdcf45&gclsrc=3p.ds