No one wants to get the flu. It can put you down for weeks and force you to call out of work. It can prevent you from taking vacations and enjoying special moments with loved ones.
Diarrhea. Stomach cramps. High fever. Symptoms like these may not seem like much, but the flu shouldn’t be overlooked. In 2018-2019, over 29 million people experienced the flu with 28,000 cases of flu-related deaths.
Getting a flu vaccine is an easy way to help reduce your risk of getting the flu by 60%. At Texas Wellness Clinic, we offer annual flu vaccines to patients in Richmond, Texas, who want to put their health front and center and reduce their flu risk.
With the global pandemic of COVID-19, the flu took a backseat as the media and people focused on the new virus. But the flu still brings negative, and sometimes even deadly, consequences.
Symptoms of the flu include:
Although the flu can be dangerous for all ages, it’s particularly a concern for people who are 65 years and older. That’s because your immune system declines as you age and increases your risk for serious flu-related symptoms – like pneumonia.
Did you know the flu increases your risk of heart attack and stroke? People over 65 years old with the flu increase their risk of heart attack by three to five times and their risk of stroke by two to three times during the first two weeks. Your risk of both remains elevated for several months after recovering from the flu.
For people in this age group, that means you have a six times greater risk of dying from the flu. Don’t let the flu take your life when it can be prevented.
The best way to avoid getting the flu is by taking an annual flu shot. Since the virus evolves quickly, it is important to get one every year to protect yourself against new strains.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that children six months and older get an annual flu vaccine.
Now, during the summer, you might not be thinking about the flu vaccine since the flu season generally runs from October to May. But experts predict the flu season will be early this year.
Flu shots are built to last the whole season, so it's better to protect yourself as soon as possible. Flu vaccines are generally first shipped out in August to get ready for the fall season. If you’re over 65, it’s a good idea to get a flu shot in September or October to help prevent the early swing of flu.
Recent studies suggest that getting a flu vaccine may reduce your risk of getting COVID-19. In a study based in Qatar of more than 30,000 health care workers, participants who received a flu vaccine were 90% less likely to develop COVID-19 than those who did not get vaccinated.
The study was conducted in 2020 before the COVID-19 vaccines were made available. This research suggests that strengthening the immune system with the flu vaccine can help prevent the coronavirus.
The best measure to avoid getting the flu is a vaccine, but here are a couple of everyday tips that can help.
Stay away from people who are sick, and be sure to isolate yourself if you become sick. Cover your mouth with a tissue if you cough or sneeze, or use the upper part of your sleeve.
Refrain from touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched – especially if someone is sick.
Get at least eight hours of sleep nightly. Research suggests that getting less than six hours of sleep a night can weaken your immune system, which increases your chances of being sick.
Eat a healthy and balanced diet, and drink at least eight, 8-ounce glasses of water. Minimize your stress when you can, and get regular exercise to manage your weight and improve heart health.
Call us at 361-298-3362 to schedule your flu shot today, or book online.
