“The flu shot did NOT make me sick. It did not cause the flu. This fever is my immune system in action. My body ‘thinks’ I have the flu and is responding as it should. I’m making antibodies so when the real flu comes around later this year, I’m ready to fight it off quickly and effectively.
This common and short-lived inconvenience is much preferred over the real flu. Influenza kills about 1 in 1000 infected persons each year. The flu vaccine is our best shot at preventing this life-threatening illness!”
The earlier, the better.
Doctors recommend everyone over the age of six months should get vaccinated before the end of October. Experts say the vaccine can take up to two weeks to reach full effectiveness, and flu season typically kicks into high gear by the beginning of November.
With Halloween just days away, followed closely by Thanksgiving and Christmas, the holiday season is stacked full of activities, even this year, where the flu virus and other harmful germs are likely to linger in addition to COVID-19.
Avoiding the flu vaccination puts yourself and your family at risk, and makes it more likely for others to catch the flu.
“As a parent,” Moorjani said, “the flu shot is just another level of protection I can give my kids, and with so many places offering flu shots, it’s really simple.”
The flu shot is not 100% effective. But it can go a long way in protecting yourself and your family this flu season.
If your child does contract the flu, it’s extremely important to take precaution for the protection of others. Be aware of the symptoms, and keep them away from school.
For more information on where you can get the flu shot near you, visit this resource.
