This post is made possible by the American Lung Association, in collaboration with Sanofi Pasteur as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.
GET YOUR FLU SHOT
I know the excuses. “I don’t have time.” "I wash my hands all the time." “It’s no big deal.” I know these excuses, because I’ve told myself them to myself over the years. But the truth of the matter is, that IT IS A BIG DEAL and we need to make time to take care of ourselves. Yes, washing our hands, coughing in our inner elbow and staying away from others when we are sick are all ways to maintain good health habits. But the truth of the matter is that my 50th birthday is coming up and now I know the facts about the complications that can happen if I get the flu. I’m not messing around anymore. I'm a mom of young kids, and I don’t have time to be laid up at home or worse, the hospital!
INFLUENZA FACTS
Here are some facts about the flu, you may not know about:
- The severity of the 2017-18 flu season was a powerful reminder of the serious impact of the flu, including adults ages 50+ who suffered high flu-related hospitalization rates, second only to adults ages 65+.
- Get your flu shot as soon as possible – it takes about two weeks after you receive a flu shot for antibodies to develop in the body and help provide protection against the flu. Vaccination remains important throughout the flu season as long as flu strains are still circulating.
- Even if you get the flu after getting your flu shot, vaccination may help make your symptoms milder and help you avoid or reduce hospitalization stay or more severe complications.
MAKE TIME
When you're at your local pharmacy picking up things for your home, pop on over to the pharmacist. Check out the American Lung Association’s GetMyShot.org to find where you can get yourself a flu shot or if you’re not sure which vaccination is right for you, talk to your health care provider.
Please take a minute to listen to Dr. MeiLan Han explain why it's important to those that are ages 50+ to get the flu shot today.
There is a greater need to get an annual flu shot if you are age 50+ or have a chronic health condition. Ask your doctor and go to GetMyShot.org to find out more information.
SAUS.IFLU.19.08.4305 10/19