As one famous series so elegantly puts it, it's about time to brace ourselves. Winter is coming. And with winter comes one of the most frustrating unwanted guests: the flu. This is precisely why flu vaccinations are not only available but important to get.
'At best, an influenza infection is a very unpleasant experience that can put you out of commission for a week or more,'
Public Health Nurse Sara Lopez said.
However, there also are uncommon cases and at its worst, the flu can be deadly, even in healthy individuals.
The flu is a respiratory illness caused by the family of influenza viruses. In 2013, in Colorado alone, there were 1,759 influenza-associated hospitalizations. Nurse Lopez explains the situation plainly. The average American's chances of contracting Ebola (which has become the latest craze) are about one in 13 million on US soil. The same American's chance of falling ill with the flu is as high as one in five, depending on how the flu season evolves.
It is therefore of utmost importance to begin considering your flu vaccinations. The virus normally peaks during winter, however, cases have already begun emerging. A flu vaccine uses influenza virus antigens to make the immune system create antibodies which provide immunity for other encounters with the virus. These antibodies take approximately 2 weeks to develop.
Although you might initially dismiss flu symptoms, which range from fever, chills, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, joint and muscle pain, headaches and fatigue, the illness is worth thinking about. Viruses are spread through the air, especially when contagious people cough, sneeze or talk. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that the contagiousness period spans between one day before the apparition of symptoms and seven days afterward.
'The best way to protect against influenza is by getting vaccinated every year.'
nurse Lopez said, adding that protection also extends to the people around you, from children, older people, pregnant women and vulnerable individuals. Even if you don't come down with the flu, there are chances of spreading it to others.
Because influenza viruses mutate constantly, there are different circulating strains each year. As such, the vaccine's composition must be updated yearly to provide the correct protection. Immunity also declines over time, so annual vaccinations represent the ideal strategy of protection.
'Even though the vaccine can't provide an absolute guarantee that you won't get the flu, there are plenty of reasons to get vaccinated. Your chances of getting sick from the flu will be substantially reduced, and if you do get sick, your symptoms could be much less severe.'
nurse Lopez said.
Free or low-cost vaccinations are available through organizations and healthcare providers nationwide.
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