Experts say “flu season” usually starts in December, but flu outbreaks can happen as early as October. If you want one, now is the time since it takes two weeks for the body to build up immunity.
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According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately 200,000 people are hospitalized because of flu related symptoms each year.
California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith urges Californians to get the influenza (flu) vaccine as soon as it becomes available.
“We want Van Buren County residents to stay healthy this flu season, and getting a yearly flu vaccine is the best line of protection”, Donna Branscum, Van Buren County Health Unit Administrator said. For kids under two, older adults, pregnant women and people with chronic health conditions like asthma, heart disease or diabetes, the flu can be especially severe, even fatal.
Those advised not to get the shot include children younger than 6 months, and those who have allergies to any of the vaccine’s ingredients. You can get them at your doctor’s office, the local pharmacy or even a community clinic like the ones being offered at all five senior centers this month. “And the virus that circulated last year is now in the vaccine this year, and will have coverage against that strain”.
Pneumococcal pneumonia is a common and potentially serious complication of the flu. Doctors say it’s still important to get the vaccine.
Flu season typically runs from October until May. Flu strikes suddenly and can last several days.
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With Flu Season approaching, Essentia Health is offering walk in Flu shot clinics. Unlike the influenza vaccine, the pneumococcal vaccine does not need to be given every year. “So it’s always, always our hope that when we get this it’s not going to be such a insane year for the flu virus”, said Werner. The high-dose flu shot recommended for those 65 years and older is $37 and is covered by Medicare.
