December 10, 2021
Flu season is once again upon us, and health officials are urging everyone to get vaccinated as this season is expected to be more severe than usual.
If you’re on the fence about getting a flu shot, consider these four reasons.
There aren’t a lot of things you can get for free these days, but a free flu shot may be one of them. Flu shots are considered essential health benefits and are typically covered by your health plan.*
If you get the flu, you may be contagious for a day before your symptoms develop and up to seven days after becoming sick. Children and some people with weakened immune systems may transmit the virus for even longer than seven days.
To help avoid spreading the flu you should:
• Wash your hands frequently.
• Wear a mask when you’re with others.
• Avoid highly populated areas.
• Avoid contact with those who have weakened immune systems (i.e. children, elder adults, and those with chronic health conditions).
The symptoms of the flu can take a toll on your body and at times can be fatal. That is why it is important to take precautions, such as getting your seasonal flu vaccine, to keep you and your loved ones healthy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), anywhere from 140,000 (in 2011-2012) to 810,000 (in 2017-2018) people are hospitalized each year for flu-related complications, including:
• Bacterial pneumonia
• Ear and sinus infections
• Dehydration
• Worsening of chronic health conditions
Check out the chart below and compare the costs associated with getting a flu shot versus getting the flu.
*A seasonal flu vaccination does not guarantee protection against the flu virus. Many who get the seasonal flu vaccination may get sick. However, individuals who get a flu shot are less likely to get sick with flu than an individual who does not get a flu shot. Source: CDC.gov
1 Palmer LA, Rousculp MD, Johnston SS, Mahadevia PJ, Nichol KL. Effect of influenza-like illness and other wintertime respiratory illnesses on worker productivity: the Child and Household Influenza-Illness and Employee Function (CHIEF) study. 2010;28(31):5049–5056
This article was originally published on IBX Insights.
I am a copywriter at IBX as well as a spouse, parent, dog owner, and kind of meh cook. Just like a lot of people, I am always looking for ways to make my day-to-day life easier so I can spend more time with family, sneak in a little more exercise, and (hopefully) get more sleep.
