SAFE IN 60
Safe In 60: Why October Is The Best Time To Get A Flu Shot
Oct 14, 2019, 6:42 AM | Updated: 7:06 am
SANDY, Utah – The recent chill in the air means the dreaded flu virus isn’t far away. Almost 50 million Americans came down with the flu in the 2017-2018 season. 80,000 died. That’s why prevention is so important.
Although handwashing and other precautions may help lower the risk of contracting the flu, the most effective method is still the flu vaccine.
With rare exceptions, everyone over the age of six months should be vaccinated. That’s especially true for people over 65, pregnant women, young children, and people who have health issues that can be worsened by the flu, such as asthma, heart disease or diabetes.
The flu shot causes antibodies to develop in the body about two weeks after the vaccination. Those antibodies provide protection against influenza.
Because influenza viruses constantly change and adapt, getting a shot every year is important to target the current strain.
The Centers for Disease Control recommends getting the flu shot by the end of October, before the virus really starts to spread. But getting vaccinated anytime during flu season can still be beneficial.
Flu vaccines are offered in many doctor’s offices, clinics, health departments, pharmacies, and by many workplaces and schools. Find available flu shots in your area here: https://vaccinefinder.org/.