As the summer ends, the days get cooler, and your child returns to school, flu season starts to rear its ugly head. The flu in children often presents itself with a high fever, body aches, nonproductive cough, sore throat, and severe fatigue. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest that children six months or older get a flu shot every year as flu viruses are ever-changing. Oftentimes flu vaccines are updated from one season to the next to protect against the viruses that research suggests will be common during that flu season.
Reasons To Get Your Flu Shot
Here at Wake Forest Pediatrics, we understand the best way to prevent the flu is to receive your annual vaccination. That’s why we have compiled a list of four reasons to get your flu shot in 2022:
1. Preventative Measures
As the summer ends, the days get cooler, and your child returns to school, flu season starts to rear its ugly head. The flu in children often presents itself with a high fever, body aches, nonproductive cough, sore throat, and severe fatigue. The CDC suggests that children six months or older get a flu shot every year as flu viruses are ever-changing. Oftentimes flu vaccines are updated from one season to the next to protect against the viruses that research suggests will be common during that flu season.
2. Reducing Severity Of Illness
When considering getting your flu shot, you may find yourself questioning the effectiveness. The CDC suggests the flu vaccination reduces the risk of illness between 40% and 60% among the overall population. Even more notably, several studies have shown the severity of illness in those who get vaccinated but still get sick was significantly reduced. A ScienceDirect study suggests that for adults hospitalized with the flu, 26% of vaccinated patients had a lower risk of intensive care unit admission, and 31% had a lower risk of death when compared to those who were not vaccinated.
3. Flu Shots Are Safe
There is often controversy revolving around vaccines and whether or not they are safe. However, the flu vaccine has an impressive safety record, with millions of Americans receiving the flu shot every year for the past five decades. Even if you are pregnant, the flu shot is safe and can even protect you from the flu during and even after pregnancy, with an added bonus of protecting infants from the flu in their first few months of life. The flu vaccines are constantly being monitored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, along with the Food and Drug Administration. For more information about the safety of the flu shot, visit this resource.
4. Protecting Others
Let’s face it— no one likes being sick. Most medical professionals suggest getting your flu shot by the end of October, as the flu can circulate through January or later. By receiving your vaccination against influenza, you are protecting yourself, your loved ones, and those you come in contact with daily. Additional steps you can take to protect yourself from flu include washing your hands, avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze, regularly cleaning and disinfecting, and practicing good health and hygiene habits.
Getting the flu shot is important for you, your child, and all the other members of your family. Not only is it safe and effective, but it can protect those around you. If you or your child has an upcoming wellness exam, make sure to ask for the influenza vaccine. Additionally, Wake Forest Pediatrics is offering a Saturday Flu Clinic scheduled for Saturday, October 29— appointment necessary. If you have more questions about reasons to get your flu shot or to schedule your appointment for the Saturday Flu Clinic, give us a call at 919-556-4779 or request an appointment.
