We’re so grateful to Amanda, of Nutritionist Reviews, for partnering with us to share her family’s story! View Amanda’s full blog post here.
Why it is a good idea to get a flu shot, how it is not too late to get it and the benefits of getting the flu vaccine!
I was recently talking to some family members and realized that my “hot button issue” is vaccines. I am so passionate about helping people understand the safety and necessity of vaccines. This year more than ever, I have been reading how it is so important to get your flu vaccine. While it is later in the season, it is not too late to get the flu vaccine.
Back in September and October, my three kids, husband and I got our flu vaccines. It is super easy to do! Troy and I got ours at a local pharmacy and my kids got theirs at their pediatrician’s office. I feel so much better knowing that my family is protected from the flu. There is plenty going on in our lives, we don’t need the flu having us feel awful!
The reason that the flu vaccine is so important this year is because many people each year end up in the hospital from the flu. With everything going on with this pandemic, the last thing we need is for our hospital systems being overwhelmed by people having the flu and people having COVID. Last year in the U.S., there were about 39-56 million cases of the flu, 18-26 million medical visits due to the flu and half a million hospitalizations. Since the flu is preventable by getting the vaccines, it is so important to help avoid outbreaks where we can. I highly urge everyone who can to get their flu vaccines!
It is very important for children to get the flu vaccine so that they do not get the flu. In Michigan last year, there were 6 pediatric flu-related deaths. That is so sad! It is an easy thing to do to protect your child from the flu. I love my 3 kids so much and will do anything to avoid them getting sick, especially something as preventable as the flu thanks to flu vaccines.
Benefits of getting the flu vaccine:
- Of course, preventing the flu!
- Helps keep you and your family out of the doctor’s office and hospital. Getting the flu vaccine lowers your risk of going to the doctor for the flu by 40-60%.
- If you get the flu, having the vaccine will help reduce how severe you have the flu.
- Having the flu vaccine helps to save kids’ lives.
- It helps protect women during and after pregnancy and for people with chronic health conditions.
Also, since everyone is talking about it, yes, my family will be getting the COVID vaccines as soon as they are available to us. Because my dad and sister are health care workers, they were super lucky to be able to get the COVID vaccines. My dad had a sore arm but nothing else (age 56) and my sister didn’t even get a sore arm (age 27). Troy is now eligible for the COVID vaccine here in Michigan because he is a teacher and we are trying as hard as we can to get him signed up for the vaccine. Soon!
Once you get the flu vaccine, it takes 2 weeks for your body to build up enough immunity to prevent the flu so the sooner that you get the vaccine, the better. Check your local doctor’s office, pharmacy or health department to get your vaccine.