Why I Should Get the Flu Vaccine?

Written By Andre Nye, MD – A few years ago, some young relatives visited my mother. They did not feel very well, but my mother still welcomed them to her home in Florida. They enjoyed themselves and had a wonderful time. After a few days, they left for the Florida Keys while my mother remained home. She started to feel unwell and then developed an elevated temperature. It was flu season, and she had refused the flu vaccine, as did the relatives who visited.
Why I Should Get the Flu Vaccine?
My relatives recovered from the flu illness; however, my mother, who is over the age of 80, became progressively worse over the ensuing days. She developed a cough, muscle aches, headache, and a high fever. My mother was later admitted to the hospital with viral pneumonia and a low oxygen level.
She spent the next week in the hospital. When she was off oxygen, she was discharged home. However, she spent the next month recovering.
Are Flu Shots Important?
I tell this story because sometimes, getting a seasonal flu vaccine for influenza seems unimportant. Although most people recover, it can have serious consequences when others contract the illness.
People at higher risk of complications from influenza viruses need to get vaccinated. This can include:
- Older adults over 65 years of age
- Children with medical problems
- People with weakened immune system
- Young children under twelve months of age
- Pregnant women
These individuals are at a higher risk, can suffer severe consequences, and may need hospitalization.
I recommend all of my patients receive the annual flu vaccine. Getting vaccinated early is not just about protecting yourself against illness. You are also protecting people you come in contact with.
Whether it is influenza or COVID-19, you might ask who you are protecting. People who get vaccinated are protecting themselves and others.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone ages 6 months and older get a flu shot. Although, there are some exceptions.
When caring for patients, I do my best to ensure they stay healthy. Therefore, we recommend and also receive the flu vaccine every year.
Seasonal Flu Risks
A couple of years ago, I was working in the emergency room. A 52-year-old man came in with a high fever and labored breathing. I was concerned about him and admitted him to the hospital. The man tested positive for influenza, and his health began to deteriorate. I had started all the appropriate medications; however, I was out of options and had to transfer him to a larger hospital. A week later, after having been placed on a ventilator, he passed away.
Every year, 50,000 people die from influenza, and over 700,000 Americans have died from Covid since the beginning of 2020. The good news is we have vaccines that can prevent these deaths.
The CDC states that it is safe to administer both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines together. I have been doing this routinely in my practice for the past year and have not had any complications or allergic reactions. The CDC recommends annual flu vaccinations for anyone ages 6 months and older to prevent the flu.
COVID-19 Update
Omicron, a new variant of COVID-19, has now been identified. The new variant may evade the protective effects of either a prior infection from COVID-19 or the vaccine. However, the CDC recommends that everyone over 5, especially those in high-risk groups, protect themselves and others by getting fully vaccinated.
Talk to a medical professional at your health care facility or doctor’s office for more information about getting a flu vaccine and any potential side effects.
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