As we all turn to an unsure autumn, one thing is certain. The flu will not be taking a break this year. While we all had our fill of infectious disease, enough to last a lifetime, one fact remains. This is going to be a very bad year to come down with the flu. Luckily for all of us, the common flu is something we have covered. It is like magic, every year they test and formulate the best possible vaccine they can. And they do this to help us all get through the winter.
And lucky for you, as a resident of the Upper Marlboro area, there will be flu shots that are easy to book and to receive. At Maryland Primary Care and Wellness there will be flu shots available on September 25, 2021, from 8:00 am until 3:00 pm. So go ahead and schedule some peace of mind for yourself. We all have enough other things to worry about this year.
There are two things to keep in mind this year when it comes to the flu. First, we have to consider the nature of the flu itself. And this is something to keep in mind every year, Coronavirus or not. Influenza claims the lives of an estimated 36,000 people every year, according to the CDC. A lot of its victims are those of an advanced age or those with pre-existing conditions.
As we all know, usually there is a set cast of those who are recommended to get the vaccine each year. Among them are hospital workers like doctors, nurses, techs, and more. But also school teachers, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems make the list. This is actually a misconception. Since 2019, the CDC has recommended that everyone over the age of 6 months get the flu shot each and every year. The exceptions are actually few and far between those under 6 months of age or those with life-threatening allergies to ingredients of the shot. Allergic people are fairly rare, but you can talk with your doctor if it is something that concerns you. In fact, one of the most common allergies that affect vaccine use comes around when egg is used. The flu shot, however, is safe from people with egg allergies.’
So, now that you know you’re most likely very eligible, let’s think about why this is so important this year. Influenza is a viral disease that attacks your respiratory system. Besides chills, aches, fever, cough, headache, and more, the flu can be responsible for shortness of breath, chest pains, seizures, and more. Those worst-case scenarios would require a trip to the hospital.
You don’t want to find yourself needing that level of care in the middle of a covid surge. If every bed is taken, your flu-related dehydration or lung pain could lead to something worse, before anyone has a chance to even help you.
The bottom line is that getting a flu shot is an easy way to take care of yourself, and those you love.