Back to school and the start of fall mean the unfortunate return of respiratory virus season. Between colds, COVID-19 and the flu, there are endless viruses spreading during the colder months that cause an array of symptoms such as congestion, fever, coughing and headache. There is also a risk of more severe complications like hospitalization and even death — and this is especially true after a bad flu season last year.
One way to keep yourself and those around you protected from the flu is by getting the flu shot, which is available now at pharmacies and doctors’ offices throughout the country.
“Everyone age 6 months and up is recommended to get a flu vaccine every year, and the CDC did ... reinforce that recommendation for this season as well,” said Sara Lane, the manager of Pharmacy Clinical Services at Hannaford Supermarkets, a New England and New York supermarket chain.
Last year, just under 50% of children received a flu shot, and 46.7% of adults got the vaccine. “Getting your flu shot is the No. 1 way to help get you protected against influenza, help protect your friends and family, help decrease the spread ... it’s all about that community immunity,” Lane noted.
Flu is a respiratory virus that causes fever, fatigue, body aches, headache and cough. While some people can fight it off at home, young children, older adults, pregnant people and folks who are immunocompromised are among the groups at risk of severe complications, hospitalization and death.
