Buzz
Back in January, I mentioned to everyone: if the coronavirus was causing you concern—even though it hadn’t reached the US yet, people were already anxious—channel that worry into action by getting your flu shot. Now that COVID-19 is a permanent reality, I’ll say it again: don’t delay, get your flu shot. Its importance has only increased.
While the flu shot won’t shield you from the coronavirus, it does significantly lower your risk of catching the flu, which shares many symptoms and can also lead to severe health complications.
For additional health advice during these challenging times, take a look at the video below:
Do you really want to risk catching the flu, enduring fever and discomfort, and then worrying if it’s COVID, scrambling to find a test, and waiting days for results?
Do you want to face flu complications, forcing you to contact your doctor or visit an already overwhelmed emergency room during a pandemic, where you might also risk contracting COVID?
Do you want to risk spreading the flu to someone close to you, leaving them to navigate one of these stressful situations?
Do you even want to imagine how chaotic the school year will be with colds, flu, and COVID all circulating simultaneously?
You don’t want that, and neither do I. While we still lack a COVID-19 vaccine and vaccines for common cold viruses, we do have a flu vaccine. It’s not flawless, but it saves countless lives annually. The CDC reports that flu shots reduce flu cases by 40% to 60%, on average.
While September and October are typically the ideal months for getting vaccinated, the truth is, getting the flu shot at any time is far better than skipping it altogether.
As you plan ways to safeguard yourself, your loved ones, and your community this autumn, be sure to prioritize getting a flu shot. It’s effective, it won’t cause the flu, and if you’re skeptical about these facts, take a moment to educate yourself by debunking these widespread flu shot misconceptions.
