Fall is here, which means it’s time to get your flu shot. Flu season runs October through May. The best time to get your shot is between now and the end of November, though the earlier the better.
If you are pregnant, a senior citizen, have diabetes or another chronic medical condition, or an already weakened immune system, getting a flu shot is critical for your health. Even if you’re healthy, the people around you may not be, making you more susceptible. Influenza can take you out of commission for up to two weeks, lead to pneumonia and, in the worst cases, death. According to the CDC, approximately 24,000 people in the United States die each year from the flu.
The flu shot is different every year. Scientists determine which strains of the flu they think will be the deadliest, and then design each flu shot accordingly each year. It’s actually made up of dead flu viruses, but because they are dead, you can’t get the flu. The important thing is that the dead flu virus teaches your body how to recognize the flu. When you get a flu shot, your body build up antibodies in the two-week period following the shot that help your body to fight off infection. You are less likely to get sick and if you do, your symptoms are more likely to be far less mild.
You can get the flu shot at your doctor’s office and often at your local pharmacy. Depending on how large the corporation you work for is, they may even offer them at your office. For people ages 2 to 49, a nasal spray can be administered in place of the shot. Most flu shots are covered by your health insurance; the out of pocket cost runs between $32 and $40.
A flu shot is one step toward your own preventive medicine. Do all you can to take care of you so you can enjoy more of the people and things you love in life.
DASHA® Enterprises, LLC works with independent practices and servicing providers that offer an integrated holistic solution to reach your total body well-being. Our client providers share our philosophy of total body health and work with us to bring you an all-inclusive experience.
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.
