The National Influenza Vaccination Week runs from December 6th to 12th to encourage the community to get a flu vaccine. Despite the mixed opinions shared by the public, it’s important to stay healthy this holiday season. With the late onset of winter this year, a flu vaccine could be the difference between Christmas with family or in bed.
The Flu Vaccine is Pivotal During the Holidays
It’s important to get the flu vaccine before winter sets in, since thousands upon thousands of people will be traveling with the Holidays fast approaching. This makes people without the flu vaccine especially vulnerable.
Flu season reaches a peak on February, and the CDC has advised that the best way to keep the flu at bay is to get vaccinated every year, which is why they host the Flu Vaccination Week. Throughout this event, the CDC and the Department of Public Health will review the importance of vaccinations and good health habits like hand washing, avoiding contact with the eyes during the peak of flu season, as well as how to treat those who have contracted the flu.
Not Getting the Flu Vaccine Does More Bad than Good
There have been mixed opinions on the effectiveness of the flu shot, but the CDC maintains that it is the safest way to shield people from the flu. Anyone over 6 months old is strongly advised to receive the vaccine, especially pregnant women, people over 50, people with chronic health problems and people who live in long term care facilities.
Health Workers Should Also Protect Themselves
People who work in health care and caregivers are also strongly encouraged to get the flu vaccine. The general public should view the flu vaccine as an early holiday present to their health, as it is best to stay healthy than to spend the holidays bedridden or nursing flu symptoms, which include fevers, chills, even pneumonia and bronchitis.
