At Virginia Premier, we understand it’s hard to find free time, especially for yourself. Getting a flu shot can be one of those things you want to do, but can never get around to actually doing. But making time for a flu shot is important for your health and the health of those around you. The CDC recommends all persons aged six months and older get an annual flu shot. Ask your doctor if the flu shot is right for you.
A whopping 200,000 Americans are hospitalized every year from the flu
90% of flu-related deaths are in adults who are 65 or older.
Do You Have the Cold or Flu?
Signs & Symptoms | Flu | Cold |
|---|---|---|
Symptom Onset | Abrupt | Gradual |
Fever | Usual | Rare |
Aches | Usual | Slight |
Chills | Fairly common | Uncommon |
Fatigue, weakness | Usual | Sometimes |
Sneezing | Sometimes | Common |
Stuffy nose | Sometimes | Common |
Sore throat | Sometimes | Common |
Chest discomfort, cough | Common | Mild to moderate |
Headache | Common | Rare |
Cold and Flu Prevention
Get a flu vaccine
Wash your hands and use hand sanitizer. You can be infected when you touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
Eat healthy fruits and vegetables to give your body an extra line of defense.
Take all medications as prescribed by your doctor
Avoid those who are sick.The flu is contagious and can be spread in the air or through shared items.
Flu Shots: Myth vs. Fact
MYTH: The flu shot can give me the flu.
Some people believe that the flu shot actually had the reverse intended effect.
TRUTH: The flu shot is truly your best defense.
Don’t be so quick to listen to those flu shot naysayers! Getting a flu shot every six month decreases your chances of getting sick.
MYTH: My decision to not get the flu shot is my choice and only affects myself.
TRUTH: If you get sick, you could infect those around you including family, friends, and co-workers.
MYTH: I never get the flu, so I don’t need the vaccine.
If you have rarely or have never had the flu in the past, you might believe that you won’t catch it in the future.
FACT: No one is immune from getting the flu.
Everyone is susceptible to getting exposed to the flu virus.
Source: cdc.gov/flu/keyfacts.htm
