HAVE YOU GOTTEN YOUR FLU VACCINE?
by Ngozi Osuagwu, MD | September 25th, 2016

I have and I will tell you why:
- The flu is very contagious and can be deadly especially for the elderly, young children, pregnant women, obese people and people with chronic diseases like asthma and diabetes.
- I hate being sick and if I can do something to prevent being sick, I will do it. Along that line, as a health care worker, I would hate to pass the flu to my patients.
- I am a health care worker and I am exposed to a lot of sick people.
- It takes two weeks for vaccine to start working so I wanted to make sure I got the vaccine before the peak of flu season
- It is required by my employer – if is free at my job
Flu season is from October to May. I know there are those of you that always get your flu vaccine and I do not mean to preach to the choir, however for those of you that have not, please give it some thought.
When it comes to the flu, prevention is key. The flu vaccine is an essential component of prevention. There are other things you can do – wash your hands, disinfect work areas regularly, take care of yourself (getting enough sleep and eating plenty of fruits and vegetables). If prescribed a medication for flu, please take all your medication as directed.
You can get the flu vaccine at your physician’s office, the pharmacies, colleges and universities and the health department. The health department in your area usually provides the vaccine for free.
Check out the previous blog, IT IS TIME TO GET YOUR FLU VACCINE.
For more information, see below:
2016 -17 Flu Season -What you should know
Vaccine Information Statement for the flu vaccine
High risks groups that require the vaccine
Thanks for the reminder. I did not get a flu shot last year but plan to this time around.