The days are getting shorter and the temperatures are slowly dropping. I hope you don’t have to reach for the thermometer, tissues or cough medicine this fall or winter. Having to take time off from work and personal commitments because you’re sick is frustrating, and we’d all like to avoid it as much as possible.
Flu shot season has begun and many of my patients ask my opinion on the controversial subject. People love to debate the effectiveness of the flu shot, with those who are against it citing arguments that the vaccine is last year’s virus and doesn’t do a thing to protect you. At DASHA®, wellness is our business, and flu shots promote wellness. Here’s how:
1. In a study analyzing data from three flu seasons, the CDC determined that the flu vaccination lowered the risk of hospitalizations by 61% for people over the age of 50.
2. The flu vaccination has been shown to reduce children’s risk of flu-related hospital admissions by 74%.
3. The flu vaccination has been associated with a 71% reduction in flu-related hospitalizations among adults of all ages, and a 77% reduction for people age 50 and over.
4. The flu vaccine protects pregnant women and their babies for up to six months after they are born. It is 92% effective in preventing hospitalizations of infants for flu.
5. Flu vaccinations can make the duration and intensity of your illness far less if you do get sick. Less sick time means less backlog of unfinished work and more fun to be had with friends and family.
Everyone should get a flu shot, but especially children, the elderly, and anyone with chronic health conditions such as diabetes or already compromised immune systems. Should you have further questions regarding the pros and cons of the flu shot, be sure to speak with your primary care physician.
DASHA® is a luxury lifestyle brand and New York City-based wellness center created to offer a truly holistic approach to wellness. To learn more, visit dashawellness.com.
