The 2018-2019 flu season was one to remember but for all the wrong reasons. Recorded as one of the longest flu seasons in the past decade its impacts were felt far and wide. The Center For Disease Control (CDC) reported that there were 20,000 to 30,000 flu-related deaths in the United States, about 300,000 flu-related hospitalizations, and around 25 million flu illnesses.
For many reasons, the 2018-19 flu season was tough and researchers aren’t certain that this next season is going to be much better.
Although the flu is generally dismissed as a minor inconvenience it’s a medical condition that can have very real consequences. With the 2019-2020 flu season just around the corner (it starts in October around Halloween) all health care professionals recommend getting vaccinated. And vulnerable groups should get the flu shot sooner rather than later.
Who should get a flu shot?
There are two population groups that are very susceptible to the flu. Unlike others that catch the flu virus, adults older than 65 and children younger than 4 need to be hospitalized more often. But who else should consider getting the vaccine?
- Adults with weakened immune systems (e.g. Asthma, Diabetes, Heart disease, Obesity)
- Children over the age of 6 months
- Adults that come into contact with young children or babies
- Pregnant women
Benefits of getting the flu shot early
The 2019-2020 flu season starts in a few weeks and the sooner you’re able to get vaccinated, the better.
- After receiving the vaccine, it takes 2 to 4 weeks before it becomes effective
- Both the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the CDC recommend getting the flu shot by the end of October to prepare for peak influenza season, which is typically in February.
- While the vaccine is not 100 percent effective, it significantly decreases the risk of getting sick with influenza and decreases your risk of being hospitalized and reduces the chances of being admitted to ICU
- Getting your flu shot early also protects those around you who might have a weakened immune system
Where do I get the flu vaccine?
The flu vaccine is offered at most doctors’ offices and urgent care centers. For convenience, urgent care centers are open late, outside of business hours and accept most health insurance plans.
No-Cost Flu Shots
No-cost flu shots are being offered to our Tampa community (while supplies last) to show that we’re dedicated to their health, and we want people to experience the superior service and care the staff of A+ Family Urgent Care is dedicated to providing our patients.
References:
https://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/influenza/index.html
https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/flu-season-what-to-know-this-year