Learn more about why the flu shot still matters this year and the benefits of getting the flu vaccine.
You’re not only protecting yourself and loved ones, but also your community. We are still living through the COVID-19 pandemic, so do your part in keeping Michigan safe.
This post is sponsored by The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
The Flu Shot Still Matters
If you got the flu shot last fall, make sure you get one this year, too. Did you know that last year in the U.S., millions of flu cases were reported, along with medical visits and subsequent hospitalizations?
Regardless of age, race, or gender, we all need protection. Living through a pandemic is bad enough, and getting your flu shot can help prevent flu outbreaks from overwhelming our already stressed healthcare system here in Michigan. (source)
The flu shot is not the COVID-19 vaccine.
Many people think the flu shot and the COVID-19 vaccines are the same. A common misconception goes something like this: if a person gets their shot, there is no need to get a Covid-19 vaccine, and vice versa.
Nothing could be further from the truth. Educating yourself is key to understanding why you still need the flu vaccine, even if you have already gotten a COVID-19 vaccine or plan to get one. The flu is still serious business.
In the 2019-2020 flu season, Michigan alone had nearly a thousand flu-related hospitalizations. During the same period, there were 187 pediatric deaths nationally due to flu-related complications. No one is immune, and if you have questions, contact your doctor or local health department. (source)
How to keep you, your family, and community safe from the flu.
Simply put, the flu keeps people safe. Period. During the 2018-2019 flu season, data show that flu vaccination prevented millions of Michigan residents from influenza illnesses, hospitalization, and deaths. Getting your shot does matter.
It matters to your health because the more people we protect, the better it is for every Michigan community.
Get the flu shot as soon as you can.
After getting your flu shot, it takes an average of two weeks for your body to develop immunity to prevent influenza.
Getting your shot now helps protect you before flu cases escalate during the fall flu season.
Right now, vaccines are available at your doctor’s office, local pharmacies, and community health departments.
Can you get the flu from the flu shot?
Some assume that getting the flu vaccine causes the flu. Not true. The truth is the influenza vaccine doesn’t contain a live virus, so it’s impossible to develop the flu from getting the flu vaccine.
Indeed, many people do not experience any side effects after getting vaccinated. However, the most reported side effects are redness and tenderness at the injection site; soreness and swelling are all common reactions.
Occasionally, people develop a low-grade fever, headaches, and muscle soreness. Having side effects after you get the flu shot does not mean you have the flu; it means your body is actively developing immunity, which helps you fight off the flu.
The benefits of getting the flu vaccine.
When it is all said and done, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. There are benefits to getting your flu shot, like 1. keeping your family safe 2. getting your flu shot has been shown to reduce flu-related doctor visits up to sixty percent 3. for children, getting the flu shot reduces flu-related pediatric intensive care until admission. 4. Getting your flu shot now means reducing the number of sick days and missed work.
Overall, getting your flu shot goes a long way in keeping Michigan safe and healthy. (source)
I got the shot for me to protect my family.
Getting my annual flu shot comes down to keeping my family and me safe. I have a few underlying conditions, so getting the flu means running the risk of further complications. When we all do our part, it goes a long way in keeping our communities safe, and that is a win-win for all Michiganders.
Wearing a mask can also help prevent you from getting the flu and spreading it.
Okay, I gave you all the information, and it is a lot to take in. But as the saying goes, “the more you know, the better off you’ll be.” So make a plan and get your flu shot. As always, if you have any questions, contact your doctor to get all the facts. Stay healthy!
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