The best gift this season is to take care of your health. Getting a flu shot may be one of the best gifts for you and others. If you have risk factors, including age or medical issues, the flu can pose very serious risks and repercussions. Make National Influenza Vaccination Week in December the time that you go and get your flu shot this year!
It is that time of year when many people schedule their flu vaccine. Have you had your flu shot yet? Older people have more serious ramifications from Influenza, and it could have debilitating effects on their overall health. In fact, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that people over age 65 comprise around ¾ of flu fatalities, and around 70% of all hospitalizations related to the Flu. This illness can have lasting impacts on holistic wellness and even mobility- talk to a mobility aid and equipment retailer to learn more.
Flu Shots
The CDC recommends that everyone over six months old should get a flu shot once a year. Are there people that should not get this shot? Yes, children under the age of 6 months should not get the flu shot, as well as individuals that have had a life-threatening or severe reaction to a flu vaccine previously or that have an allergy to an ingredient in the vaccine. Your primary care provider should be able to provide more information pertaining to the ingredients of the flu vaccine for you. Talk to your doctor to learn more.
National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW)
National Influenza Vaccination Week, in early December, is the perfect time to schedule your family’s vaccinations. Flu season is coming at the height of winter, so get your flu shot now. The benefits of getting the flu shot include preventing you from coming down sick with the flu, of course, but also it can impact the severity and protect others that make have weak immune systems or medical complications. Furthermore, getting vaccinated against the flu helps relieve stress on public health resources.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Make an informed decision regarding your flu shot. Here are the answers to some of the most common and frequently asked questions related to Influenza and the vaccine:
What is influenza?
Influenza, or the flu, is an infection of the respiratory system that is caused by a virus. The flu impacts everyone differently, ranging from cold-like symptoms to flu fatality. Those most at risk include seniors, young children, pregnant women, and individuals with medical or health issues.
How long does the flu last?
If you come down with the flu, plan on symptoms lasting around a week. The most severe symptoms typically dissipate after a couple of days, but you may feel tired and week for a couple of weeks.
Is the flu contagious?
The flu is very contagious and it is easily spread. If someone sneezes or coughs near you and they have the flu, they could transmit it to you through a surface or something that they touched.
When is the flu contagious?
Young patients with the flu are contagious for a week or longer after getting sick, while adults are usually contagious 24 hours prior to symptoms of the flu and about a week after symptoms manifest.
When is flu season?
Flu season is in the fall and winter in this country, though it peaks in the height of winter. Flu season can last well into spring, often until May.
Can someone spread the flu if they don’t have symptoms?
Yes, adults can spread flu germs before they even know they are sick! Typically, adults are contagious a full day before any symptoms emerge. A flu shot is a good preventative against unknowingly being around someone who has the flu and is contagious. Further protect yourself against contracting the flu with vigilant handwashing.
Can you have flu without a fever?
Yes, you can have the flu without ever having a fever. A fever, however, may be a prevalent symptom for some people that come down with the flu. The symptoms vary based on many factors, including age, medical history, and whether you have had a flu shot.
Can you get the flu from the flu shot?
The flu vaccine contains only elements of an inactive flu virus or none at all, so you cannot get the flu from the flu shot. It is simply not possible. There have been many myths and urban legends that convey how getting the flu shot is essentially contracting the flu- but this is not the case.
Anyone could be at risk for contracting the flu- have you had your flu shot yet? For more information about mobility solutions and accessibility, talk to the professionals at Pacific Mobility today!
President, Husband, Father, Grandfather Graduate of UC Davis- Bio Sci Major- Go Aggies! Jeff has extensive experience in all of Pacific Mobility’s products and services, and specializes in accessibility products as well as stairlifts, ceiling lifts and custom wheel chairs. His hobbies include spending time with family, gardening, mountain biking, exercising and off road motorcycle riding.
24 years as Owner/President of Pacific Mobility Center – selling, installing, and servicing stairlifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts, pool lifts, handicap ramping, specialty wheelchairs, scooters, power wheel chairs, and other power mobility devices
Certified Environmental Access Consultant since 2008
Licensed General Contractor since 1998
Certified Aging in Place Specialist since 2016
Board Member for Home Access Professionals
Member of Association of Members of the Accessibility Equipment Industry (AEMA)
