Holiday Checklist? Don’t Forget “Flu Shot”

The holidays are already one of the busiest times of the  year. On top of that, COVID-19 is requiring everyone to make difficult decisions about how to celebrate safely this year.  Between preparing for the holidays and working to keep you and your family safe, it is likely that many of us have overlooked or forgotten about flu season.

 

Similarly to COVID-19, the flu produces symptoms like fever, cough, body aches, sore throat, runny nose, and fatigue. The good news is that a vaccine is available to prevent the flu.  This year especially, it is important for people to get the flu shot for several reasons:

Because the flu and COVID-19 can share many of the same symptoms, getting the flu vaccine can help you narrow down which virus you may have if you are experiencing symptoms. If you have received the flu vaccine, and you still get sick, it is likely that your symptoms are due to COVID-19. Knowing this information can be helpful in determining how best to treat your symptoms.

Many hospitals are becoming overwhelmed by patients as COVID-19 cases continue to rise. If hospitals have to care for both COVID-19 patients and flu patients, they may become too overwhelmed to provide adequate care to all who need it.

 

 Doing your part by getting a flu shot, helps ensure that our health care workers are able to continue providing care to all patients.

 

Getting the flu shot protects you from the flu.

The stress that comes with a normal holiday season, along with the anxiety many people are feeling about the pandemic, can have a negative impact on the immune system. When the immune system is affected by stress, it can increase the chance of someone getting sick.

When you get a flu shot you also protect those around you. The flu produces more serious and harmful symptoms in some people more than others. Getting a flu shot makes it less likely that you will spread the virus to those around you.

 

The flu shot is offered at most pharmacies, doctor’s offices, and urgent care clinics, including Crisp Regional! The sooner you get the flu shot the better, so add it to the holiday to-do list to keep yourself and your loved ones safe this holiday season.