Flu season is here! Are you ready? The single best way to protect yourself is by getting an annual flu shot. Flu vaccines are recommended to most people 6 months of age and older, including those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

In fact, the CDC put out a statement in late June saying, “CDC recommends everyone 6 months of age and older, with rare exceptions, receive an updated 2024-2025 flu vaccine to reduce the risk of influenza and its potentially serious complications this fall and winter.”

How Do Flu Vaccines Really Protect You?

Getting vaccinated helps in two ways. First, it reduces the likelihood that you will get the flu and transmit it to others. It also helps reduce the chances of serious and potentially deadly complications should you become ill.

It’s easy to brush off the risks of contracting the flu, but it is something to be cautious about. Even those in relatively good health can have serious complications. During the 2023-2024 flu season, more than 44,900 people are estimated to have died from flu complications, according to the CDC. That might seem like a lot, and it is — especially when you consider some of those deaths could have been prevented.

A recent article by CBS News shared that the 2023-2o24 flu vaccine was the most effective one in the last eight years. Estimates show that the 23-24 vaccine this season was between 52% and 61% effective in protecting children against influenza hospitalization and 41% to 44% effective for adults. But that protection only makes an impact if people actually receive their yearly vaccination.

Staying Healthy This Flu Season

In addition to getting a flu shot, you should practice proactive healthcare during flu season. Here are some simple yet highly effective steps you can take to protect yourself and your family:

Stay home while you are sick

Your co-workers will thank you. A study by the University of Arizona found that sick employees can spread their germs to up to 50% of commonly touched surfaces in a workplace in just four hours!

Avoid close contact and/or wear a mask

When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too. Mask up if you are experiencing symptoms, if you have been around anyone sick, or if you are returning to work after having been sick and you still have lingering symptoms.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing

It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. Coughing into your elbow works well to prevent contaminating your hands.

Clean your hands often

Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Remember to scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds (hum the ‘Happy Birthday’ song from beginning to end twice), rinse your hands well under clean, running water, and dry your hands thoroughly. Use an alcohol-based hand rub frequently.

Practice good health habits

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work, or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

Schedule Your Flu Vaccine Today

All North Country HealthCare locations throughout Northern Arizona have flu vaccines available for patients. And the good news is that most major insurance plans will cover the full cost of getting a flu shot. North Country HealthCare also offers discounted options for those who qualify. We also work with the Vaccines for Children Program, which covers the full cost for eligible children.

Worried that the flu vaccine could give you the flu? That’s simply not true. The flu vaccine that North Country HealthCare provides contains inactivated viruses that cannot give you the flu. You may experience minor achiness and fatigue, which just means your immune system is doing its job of making antibodies to protect you during flu season! For parents, it’s also important to know that we use flu vaccines free of thimerosal (mercury).

At North Country, we are here to keep you and your family healthy. Call today for your flu shot appointment!