Influenza, or the flu, is a highly contagious virus that can result in severe illness, hospitalization, or even death. It most commonly infects the nose, throat, and lungs. Flu symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches, fatigue, and headache. Luckily, getting a flu shot annually can protect you and your loved ones of all ages from contracting and transmitting the flu. Here are the top reasons to get a shot every year:
1. Prevents contracting the flu
The most obvious reason to get a shot is to prevent contracting this common yet infectious disease. The influenza virus is constantly changing, and the World Health Organization (WHO) determines which influenza viruses will be most common in the upcoming flu season each year. The vaccine is then created based on those predictions to help your body build up immunity to the virus. This means that if you come in contact with the virus, your body is more likely to fight it off and prevent you from getting sick.
2. Shorter recovery
If you happen to catch the flu virus, even after getting vaccinated, your symptoms will likely be milder and you will recover more quickly. This is because the vaccine helps your body build immunity to the virus, preparing your immune system in advance to recognize and fight the virus and, therefore, making it faster and easier for your body to fight off the infection.
3. Lower risk of hospitalization
Influenza can cause severe illness, and people of all ages can be hospitalized for it. Depending on the severity of the flu season, hospitalization rates can be very high. These rates are especially high for people aged 65 years and older, people with chronic medical conditions, pregnant women, and young children. However, flu vaccination can help reduce the risk of hospitalization.
4. Protects your community
Influenza vaccination protects not only you but also your community. When more people are vaccinated, less of the virus can circulate, which helps protect people who are more vulnerable to the disease, such as infants, young children, the elderly, and people with chronic medical conditions. This is because the less the virus circulates, the less likely people are to come in contact with it. Herd immunity occurs when a large percentage of the population is vaccinated against a disease. This makes it difficult for the infection to spread at all. Achieving herd immunity is important for protecting the most vulnerable people in the population.
The annual flu shot is essential for people of all ages. It helps prevent acquiring the disease, and, if you do get sick, it can help make your symptoms milder and shorten your recovery time. Vaccination also helps protect your community by reducing the spread of the virus. Finally, herd immunity helps protect people who cannot be vaccinated. Therefore, it is vitally important for you to get your shot every year.
