Not only is it the holiday season, but it is also flu season. The best way to reduce your risk from the seasonal flu and any potential complications is to get vaccinated every year. This year National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) takes place from December 5-9. The designated week was created by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to create awareness in communities across the country and highlight the importance of vaccination. They chose the last month of the year to remind people that it’s never too late to get a flu vaccine.
Who is at Risk?
Certain individuals are at a higher risk than others for contracting the virus and developing flu-related complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia that can lead to hospitalization or even death. Anyone in this high-risk category should get vaccinated as well as those taking care of them. Those at high risk include:
- People 65 years of age and older
- People of any age with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and asthma
- Pregnant women
- Babies and children younger than 5 years old
- People living in facilities such as nursing and assisted-living homes
- Health care workers
- Caregivers to those under 5 years old and older than 65 years old
It’s Easy as ABC - Simple Tips and Tricks to Protect Yourself and Others
- Avoid close contact, touching, and any exposure to those who are sick and keep your distance from others if you are not feeling well or are sick. Surfaces can be contaminated with germs so do not touch your eyes, nose, and mouth without washing your hands.
- Be Absent – Stay home if you are not feeling well, please stay home to help prevent the spread of germs to others.
- Cover Your Mouth and Nose & Clean Your Hands – Flu viruses are spread mainly by droplets created when people with the flu cough, sneeze or talk. Washing hands often will help protect you from germs. Soap and water are preferred, but an alcohol-based hand sanitizer will also do the trick.
- Disinfect – Wipe frequently touched surfaces and areas with products specifically designed to prevent germ contamination especially when someone is ill.
Managing stress, exercising, sleeping, drinking plenty of fluids, and eating a nutrient-rich diet along with being proactive and mindful is the perfect prescription for a healthy and happy life. A routine of these good health habits will help protect you and your loved ones. Questcare Medical Clinics are here to make your healthcare journey simple and bring further awareness to the community.
Contact us today
to get your flu shot.