It’s Not “Just” the Flu!
The virus can lead to serious complications, hospitalization and even death, especially for high-risk individuals. The flu vaccine can prevent or reduce the chances of developing severe, life-threatening symptoms.
The flu, or influenza, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. There are various strains, but they all infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs, and can cause mild to severe illness. In serious cases, it can even lead to hospitalization or death. The flu vaccine is safe for most people, but those with certain allergies or a history of Guillain-Barré Syndrome should consult their healthcare provider first.
Does it Really Work?
It does, but the effectiveness of flu vaccines varies each year, and depends on the match between the vaccine viruses and the viruses that are going around in your community. The more people who get vaccinated, the better we can protect those who are unable to get vaccinated for various reasons. We can make our community stronger together!
Recent research shows flu vaccines reduce the risk by 40% to 60% for the overall population when the vaccine viruses are a good match to the circulating viruses.
Source: CDC
When You Get a Flu Shot, You Help Protect the Most Vulnerable Members of Your Community
Certain populations are at an increased risk for complications from the flu. The
following groups should make it a priority to get vaccinated every year.
Children: Children aged 6 months to 5 years and children of any age who have certain medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, or neurological disorders.
Adults ages 65 and older: The immune system weakens with age, putting you at an increased risk of severe flu and complications like pneumonia.
Pregnant Women: They are more likely to develop severe illness from the flu, which can also affect the unborn baby, leading to premature labor and delivery.
People with Chronic Health Conditions: Individuals with conditions such as asthma, chronic lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, HIV/AIDS, liver disorders, and blood disorders are at higher risk for flu complications. People receiving chemotherapy or taking certain medications that suppress the immune system are also at an increased risk.
Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities: People living in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities are at increased risk due to close living quarters, age, and having other chronic health conditions.
Healthcare Workers: Healthcare workers and caregivers of high-risk individuals should get vaccinated to protect themselves and those they care for from the flu. You can find detailed information on the CDC website.
It Protects Your
Heart Too!
Did you know that the flu can cause heart attacks and strokes in people who are at risk for them? A 2018 study from Canada found that people who got the flu were six times more likely to have a heart attack within a week. A 2022 study out of Columbia University found people ages 18 - 44 were at an increased risk for having a stroke within the month after having the flu, but being vaccinated reduced that risk.
