Protecting your Family from the Flu this Season

What is the best way to protect yourself from the flu?
The flu vaccine!I got a flu vaccine last year. Do I need to get another one this year?
YES! Flu viruses are constantly changing. Each flu season, different flu viruses can spread, and they can affect people differently based on their body’s ability to fight infection. Even healthy children and adults can get very sick from the flu and spread it to family and friends. In addition, flu seasons are unpredictable and can be severe. The 2009 H1N1 virus that caused a lot of illness was more serious for younger people than seasonal flu usually is – and it is still a serious threat this season.

The CDC has some facts and tips:

• Everyone 6 months of age and older is recommended to be vaccinated against the flu.
• The flu vaccine provides protection that lasts through the flu season.
• The flu vaccine is updated each season to protect against the three flu viruses that research indicates will cause the most illness.
• You need to get the 2010-11 seasonal flu vaccine even if you got the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine last season.
• If you or your kids do not like shots, the flu vaccine is also available in mist form. For more information on this, ask your doctor or visit www.cdc.gov/flu.

Am I all talk?
No way! All three of my kids got their flu shot on Wednesday on the way home from the preschool field trip. We opted for the shot for all three of them. The girls could of had the mist version but I didn’t know if they really do that so we just went with the shot. The girls both screamed. Grace screamed before the shot (she just got her four year old shots and was less than pleased about that experience!) Sophie screamed after which is good for her. Matthew smiled at the nurse after his. Chunky thighs pay off!;)
My husband will get his shot as his next scheduled doctor appointment. I normally get my through my employer. If I don’t, then I head to the drugstore for mine as it less of a hassle than the doctor’s office that isn’t near where we live.

Why do I make sure my family gets the flu shot?
Back in high school, I had a full blown case of the flu. It was horrible. I slept in the bathroom for days. That memory is why my family gets the flu shot. I don’t want my kids to go through that. I don’t want to go through that again. The kids’ pediatrician told me that anyone who has had the flu gets the flu shot yearly after that. She said that people don’t want to do that again. Her comment totally fits with me so I believe her.

So don’t delay. Go schedule appointments for the flu shot or go to a walk-in clinic. Your health is worth it!