Here’s What You Need to Know About the Flu Season

The inevitable flu season is here.  The beauty of October, with its warm, sunny days and cool, comfortable nights fools us into believing summer could last forever. But fall is definitely coming, and with it, the flu season.

Every year, different flu viruses appear and spread among our population.  If you have ever experienced the flu, you know what a miserable an experience it is! And as bad as it may be for healthy adults, it’s much worse for vulnerable populations such as infants, children, pregnant women, elders, and anyone with a weakened immune system.  The flu is, in fact, a life-threatening contagious disease and should be treated very seriously.  An estimated 56,000 people in the United States die from the flu each year.

Some important facts about flu and flu season:

• People infected with flu are contagious even before they get sick. That means you could be spreading the virus before you know you have it!
• If you have children younger than six months old, they are too young to get the vaccine but are at high risk of serious flu illness. Anyone who is around an infant younger than six months of age should make certain to get a flu vaccine.
• It takes about two weeks after vaccination for your body to provide protection against the flu.
• The flu virus can live on hard surfaces such as handrails, counters, sinks, and grab bars for up to 48 hours.
• Flu shots CANNOT give you the flu!!!

Remember, the most important thing we can all do to protect ourselves, our families, and those we care for is to get vaccinated against the flu each year.

Here’s to a happy, healthy fall and winter season!

This blog is courtesy of Carolyn Fenn, Executive Director Jeffrey and Susan Brudnick Center for Living