Flu vaccine helps dull winter’s wrath

The dwindling fall, darkening skies and cooling temperatures mean flu season is right around the corner.

Flu season, according to the Center for Disease Control, typically hits hardest in the winter months of December, January and February, which means now is an appropriate time to get vaccinated.

Flu vaccination is the surest safe guard against contracting the flu. The flu can spread quickly and isn’t discriminatory on who it affects. The virus can easily be contracted throughout public, especially at schools, stores and other areas of high traffic.

The CDC encourages anyone older than 6 months to get the vaccine every season, especially those 65 years of age and older, children younger than two years old, people who live in long-term care facilities and pregnant women, as they are at “high risk” from the flu.

So why receive a vaccination every year? First, protection declines over time, so an annual shot essentially rejuvenates that immunity. Second, flu viruses change each year, so the shot that was most effective last year may be obsolete this year.

As far as when to get the flu shot, the CDC says now is the time, since it takes roughly two weeks after vaccination for the vaccine to fully take effect. The later you wait, the more susceptible you become to contracting the flu.

Community organizations know the importance of protecting its people from the flu shot. Many offer walk-in clinics to ensure it can be done at a time that best fits a person’s schedule. Find where you can get a flu shot nearby at vaccinefinder.org.

Obviously, getting vaccinated is a choice but let’s face it, no one likes to get sick. The CDC admits the vaccine isn’t failsafe but even if the flu is contracted despite vaccination, symptoms are often lessened.

Vaccination also helps limits the spread of the flu. Every time we go shopping and touch produce, or open the door to the gas station, we risk contracting the flu, then what we touch becomes a risk for others.

The winter months are already long and cold without getting sick. If you’d like to ensure your safety and health and an easier winter, look in to getting a flu shot.