ROME, Ga., Oct. 6, 2023 – The best way to reduce your risk from seasonal flu and its potentially serious complications is to get vaccinated every year.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says flu leads to between 140,000 and 810,000 hospitalizations in a typical year.
“An annual influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone older than 6 months," said Joshua Herndon, M.D., with Atrium Health Floyd Primary Care Family Medicine in Summerville. “People over the age of 65, young children and people with certain health conditions are at a higher risk of serious flu complications."
Getting a flu shot is one way to keep yourself from getting sick or even being hospitalized because of the flu.
Help Prevent the Spread of Flu
Flu typically starts showing up in November and continues to spread through February or March. Herndon says flu cases tend to peak after the winter holidays when people have traveled and gathered with others outside of their households.
These practices can also help prevent the spread of the flu:
- Stay home if you're sick.
- Steer clear of others when they're sick.
- Frequently wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds
- Don't touch your face or rub your eyes.
- Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.
- Don't share food or beverages with others.
- Use antibacterial wipes to clean surfaces.
Even if a mandate doesn't exist, wearing a mask in public provides an extra layer of protection that can be especially beneficial for people over 65 or those with underlying medical conditions who can be particularly vulnerable to complications from the flu.
Power up Your Immune System
Herndon stresses that staying healthy is the most important thing you can do to strengthen your immune system, which is what your body relies on to fight the flu once you have it. These habits help boost your immune system:
- Maintaining a healthy diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables
- Avoiding processed foods and sugary drinks
- Staying hydrated by drinking lots of water
- Getting enough sleep every night
- Trying to exercise for 40 minutes four times a week, even if it's just taking a moderate or brisk walk
- Engaging in activities that lower your stress level
Get a Flu Vaccine
According to the CDC, anywhere from 9.3 to 45 million people get the flu each year. This typically means missing vital time away from work or school and feeling downright miserable. Getting a flu vaccine can help you stay healthy. And even if you do get flu, the protection from the vaccine helps limit its severity.
It takes 10 to 14 days for your body to develop a response to the flu vaccine, which is why the CDC recommends getting your shot before the end of October, so you are protected throughout the entire flu season.
Contact your Atrium Health Floyd primary care provider to get your flu shot. Find a provider at floyd.org/primarycare