You vs. Flu: 5 Things You May Not Know
(ARA) – Flu season is here, and there are simple, everyday actions you can take to help you and your family stay healthy.
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve when you sneeze, and avoid contact with those who are sick. But the most important thing you can do to prevent the flu is get vaccinated each year. CVS pharmacist Shirley Scott offers five things you may not know about flu vaccination.
1. Even if you were vaccinated last year or early in 2011, you still need to get a flu shot this year.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that anyone ages 6 months or older should get a flu shot, including those who were vaccinated last season. The flu vaccine’s ability to help protect you declines from one year to the next. So even though the vaccine has the same ingredients as last season, you still need to get a flu shot. Remember that vaccination is your first line of defense against the flu.
2. You should get a flu shot as early as possible.
It takes about two weeks for your body to develop full protection against flu symptoms. Seasonal flu can be unpredictable, and even healthy people can get seriously ill from the flu. For best protection, it’s important to get a flu shot as soon as it is available.
3. Flu vaccinations are easier than ever to obtain.
The caregivers at A Moments Notice Home Care are available to talk with you and your family about all of your home care needs. A Moments Notice Home Care is a home care agency providing quality and affordable caregivers in Jupiter and the surrounding communities. Call us at (561) 743-7774 for more information.
