Just as we begin to forge ahead into the holiday season, there’s a good chance you or someone you know is feeling under the weather. While the flu can spread year-round, the season typically peaks between December and February. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hundreds of thousands are hospitalized during a typical season, and thousands to tens of thousands die from flu-related causes.
The CDC also reports that the number of reported cases of influenza has been on the rise over the past two weeks, particularly in the Southeast.
When Sharing Isn’t Caring
Obviously it’s no fun to miss that holiday party or the gathering at Grandma’s house, but it’s important to be especially careful not to spread it to others, particularly those who are older or at increased risk.
Bear in mind that you need to take care of yourself first in order to be able to care for others. That means taking precautions and getting your flu shot each year.
Flu Shot Misinformation
One of the most prevalent flu vaccine myths is that you can get sick from the vaccine. According to the CDC, flu vaccines do not cause the flu because they are made with either inactivated (killed) viruses or with only a single protein from the flu virus.
While the vaccine won’t guarantee that you won’t get sick, it can go a long way in mitigating the effects if you do. Take care of yourself and each other this holiday season.