Flu activity is on the rise across the US and it’s time to get your annual flu vaccine now. “The recent surge is a sign of an early start to the flu season,” says Dr. Doug Luther, FamilyCare’s Medical Director. “Flu shots are the best protection against the flu and you need one every year.”
The flu vaccination is reformulated yearly in anticipation of which particular viruses are likely to be most prevalent. This year’s flu shot has been shown to target the viruses causing early flu cases. FamilyCare strongly recommends that you get a flu shot, even if you are healthy because you can still get the virus and spread it to others.
Thousands of people die each year in the United States from complications from the flu. According to the Centers for Disease Control, a severe flu season could lead to up to 200,000 hospitalizations and anywhere from 3,000 to 49,000 deaths. The flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself from the flu. Getting the flu vaccine is really important for people at high risk of serious flu complications – the elderly, young children, pregnant women, people with certain chronic illnesses such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, blood disorders, kidney and liver disorders, HIV or AIDS, and cancer.
The flu season typically peaks in January or February. Please contact your healthcare provider if you have any questions about flu shots or whether you should get one. If you want to read more about flu shot recommendations, if you have flu symptoms or how to care for yourself if you get the flu, visit our Health Information Library. For questions about where to get a flu shot, call our FamilyCare Navigation Services at 503-222-2880, 1-800-458-9518 (TTY 1-800-735-2900).
