Influenza – The Flu
It’s time to get the 2010 – 2011 flu shot!! The flu vaccine is for everyone 6 months of age and older.
Because influenza – the flu – can be unpredictable, it is likely that the 2009 regular seasonal viruses and the H1N1 viruses will cause illness in the United States this flu season. To protect yourself and your family, you should get a flu vaccine as soon as the vaccine becomes available this fall.
It’s not too late to get vaccinated after Thanksgiving or even in December or later. Influenza is unpredictable and seasons can vary. Seasonal influenza disease usually peaks in January or February most years, but disease can occur as late as May.
And remember… it takes two weeks for your body to gain protection from the flu virus after getting vaccinated, so you could become ill with the flu before protection from the vaccine takes effect.
The 2010 – 2011 flu vaccine is already available at some pharmacies and medical clinics. I just got my flu shot at the Safeway pharmacy on Tuesday (3 days ago). It cost 30 dollars without medical insurance.
The 2010 – 2011 flu vaccine will protect you against three different flu viruses:
- H3N2 virus
- Influenza B virus
- H1N1 virus that caused so much illness last season
Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. The respiratory system is a group of organs and tissues that help you breathe. The main parts of the respiratory system are the airways, the lungs and linked blood vessels, and the muscles that enable breathing.
The flu can cause mild to severe illness in people, and sometimes the flu can even cause death. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications.
The best way you can prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated each year. Don’t delay, get your flu vaccine today!!