Avoiding Influenza

By Kelly Kreisler, MD, MPH, FAAP, Chief Health Officer and Pediatrician

With fall right around the corner and more time in close quarters on the horizon, it’s time to start thinking about how to protect ourselves from influenza. There are many ways to keep your immune system strong and healthy and prevent illness, such as getting enough sleep, eating a variety of healthy foods, managing stress and consistent exercise. Frequent hand washing or using an alcohol-based hand rub is another good way to prevent illness in yourself and others. Covering your cough with your elbow or a tissue instead of your hand can also help avoid spreading all kinds of germs to others.

Flu Vaccines

Experts agree the best way to prevent getting sick with influenza is by getting a yearly flu vaccine. It’s important to get the vaccine every year to help update your body’s immune system. Your body’s immune system needs updated just like your computer’s software needs updated to prevent new viruses from wreaking havoc. The flu changes every year, so the vaccine also changes yearly to keep your body prepared.

The flu causes millions of Americans to get sick enough to see a doctor every year.  Complications like pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections and worsening of chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes are common. Over 100,000 people are hospitalized with the flu each year and between 9,000 and 50,000 die each year from the flu in the U.S. More than 100 children died of influenza last season and over half of those deaths were in otherwise healthy children. In addition, healthy individuals can spread the virus to vulnerable people such as children under the age of five, elderly people, or people with compromised immune systems. People can even spread the flu to others before they know they are sick. Getting the flu shot doesn’t just protect you, it helps protect our entire community.

Yearly Flu Shot

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, (CDC) recommends a yearly flu shot for everyone over the age of six months with rare exceptions. There are a few facts to keep in mind when deciding the best timing for getting the flu shot: First, flu activity is generally highest in the U.S. between October and March.  Second, it takes about two weeks for the body to make antibodies after getting vaccinated. And third, children eight years old and younger need two vaccines four weeks apart to be considered protected.

Getting a yearly flu vaccine will reduce your risk of severe complications of the flu, hospitalization and death. I always get my yearly flu vaccine to protect myself, my family, and my patients and recommend the same for all of my patients.

COVID-19 and flu vaccination and testing are offered at HPC, contact us at 913-648-2266 to schedule your appointment.