Time to vaccinate against Flu

Flu season is here and that is why it is more important than ever for you to take care of your health. The flu is a contagious disease, which affects the lungs and can lead to serious illness, including pneumonia. Vaccination is the best protection against contracting the flu and everyone 6 months of age and older should get vaccinated against the flu this year, explains Will Holman with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  “The flu shot is the best protection against contracting the flu, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Now’s the time take a positive step to help reduce the chances of catching this season’s flu by getting a flu shot. It is easy to do.  The cost of a flu shot is often covered by your health plan, whether you buy your health insurance on your own, or get it from your employer, through Medicare or a state Medicaid program. Check with your health insurer and then schedule an appointment today by calling your physician, visiting your local pharmacy, or going to a nearby convenience care clinic. Many employers also offer flu shot clinics in the workplace. Take the time to make your health a priority this fall and get your seasonal flu shot. Remember, the flu shot is the best protection against contracting the flu. For more information, including where to find flu shot clinics near you, visit www.flu.gov.” While pregnant women, young children, older people, and people with certain chronic medical conditions like asthma, diabetes and heart disease are at increased risk of serious flu-related complications, even healthy people can get sick enough to miss work or school for a significant amount of time or even be hospitalized.  That is why it is so important to get vaccinated against the flu this year.