It's Flu Shot Time!!

With all of the concern around the COVID-19 virus, it's difficult to remember that flu is still a major risk this time of year. And now that it is October and the weather is getting cooler, it's time to get your flu shot!

The Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza viruses that infects the nose, throat, and the lungs.

People who have flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:

• fever/ chills

• cough

• sore throat

• runny or stuffy nose

• body aches

• headaches

• fatigue (tiredness)

• some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

Severe flu outcomes are a somber reminder of how serious the flu can be, even for otherwise healthy people.

Alarming Flu Statistics For 2017- 2018

• 48 million people got sick with the flu

• 959,000 people were hospitalized

• 79,400 people died of it

• 183 children died from the flu in 2018

The flu vaccine is the most effective way to prevent the flu.

It protects against the flu illness and reduces the risk of flu complications, including flu-associated hospitalization, admissions to the intensive care unit, and even death in children.

Flu season can be anytime between October through May, but usually peaks December through February. After a flu vaccination, it takes 2 weeks to develop antibodies to the influenza virus. Ideally, you should plan on getting vaccinated by the end of October, but it's never too late!

You can get the flu shot at your doctor's office, a retail clinic, a pharmacy, or an urgent care. To find the best value location, log into your MediBookr app or call 1.800.822.8936

-Dr. Ronnie Shalev is a board certified emergency medicine physician and the chief medical officer at MediBookr