The Flu

Influenza, better known as the flu, is a virus that causes fever/chills, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, cough, watery eyes, and sometimes nausea. The flu virus mutates yearly, so you can have the flu multiple times throughout your life and even multiple times in the same year.

But the problem isn’t just the flu virus, it’s the complications that can arise from the flu that is also dangerous. These complications include bronchitis, pneumonia, sinus infection, and even a heart attack.

The Flu Shot

Getting the flu vaccine can save your life, especially if you’re older than the age of 65, have chronic diseases such as diabetes, asthma, or COPD, or if you’re a smoker. Having any of the above chronic diseases places you at a higher risk of developing dangerous complications from the flu, leading to hospitalization or even death. 

Not only can you protect yourself from the flu by receiving the flu vaccine, but you can also protect your family and friends from getting the flu. How does this work? Well, there is something called community immunity. Community immunity means most of a population is vaccinated against a particular virus, such as the flu, thus reducing the entire community’s risk. This is especially important for babies who are younger than 6 months, as they can’t be vaccinated. Thus, parents and other family members can protect babies and other vulnerable people, including immunocompromised or people with chronic diseases when getting the flu vaccine. 

Please talk with your primary care provider about any questions you may have about the flu vaccine. It can save your or your loved one’s life. 

FAQ