This article appeared in The Columbus Dispatch. Read more here.
We’ve entered the time of year when we see more patients in our offices and emergency departments with coughs and other breathing issues.
We’re infectious disease physicians at central Ohio’s four hospital systems, and we care for those patients whose viral infections such as flu, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) or COVID-19 worsened or advanced to pneumonia and other serious health conditions.
Many of the patients we see were not immunized when they could have been.
Why you should get vaccinated
National Influenza Vaccine Week — Dec. 4 to 8 — serves as a reminder to make sure your seasonal vaccines are up to date, especially for flu and COVID-19.
It can take a couple of weeks after your shot for your body to build sufficient protection. If you vaccinate now, you’ll be in good shape to fight off these infections which might be present at holiday gatherings or during year-end travel.
Being vaccinated also makes you less likely to pass disease to others.
With flu season typically peaking in February and March, there’s still time to get your influenza vaccine.