Do you get your annual flu shot for influenza?
Yes? Great! You’re on the right path.
No? Well then it’s time to start getting it now!
You might wonder as to why you should start getting it now? Do you want to take preventative measures against the flu? Then it’s highly recommended that you get your annual flu shot for influenza. But before you do this, you first need to understand what influenza really is, its symptoms, and the reason for you to get the annual flu shot.
So what is Influenza?
Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness that is caused by the influenza virus. If left untreated, it can lead to severe complications, hospitalizations, and even death if serious. Influenza mainly affects individuals who have weak immune systems such as children, the elderly and pregnant women. It even affects people who have certain chronic medical conditions. But one thing that many people don’t know is that the influenza virus keeps constantly changing, which is why there are new strains of the flu emerging every year.
What are the Symptoms of Influenza?
Influenza causes a range of symptoms such as:
- Body aches
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Vomiting
In certain cases, the flu can further lead to more severe complications such as bronchitis, pneumonia, or even death, especially if you have a weak immune system or any underlying health conditions.
At times, you may wonder as to how the influenza virus is transmitted. Well you see, the flu is actually transmitted through respiratory droplets that are released when an infected individual coughs, sneezes or even talks. Wait! It doesn’t stop here! The virus is also spread when you touch a surface that is contaminated with the virus and then touch your eyes, mouth or nose afterwards.
You can prevent yourself from getting influenza if you follow the steps below:
- Practice good hand hygiene – Sanitize your hands, or wash your hands with soap or hand wash after touching a contaminated surface.
- Eat foods that boost your immune system – Regularly eating a variety of nutritious foods that are rich in minerals and vitamins can help boost your immune system.
- Avoiding close contact with sick individuals – This way, you can reduce your risk of catching the virus from them.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue (or your sleeve) when coughing or sneezing – Also, the best thing to do is to stay at home when you get sick. Rest and stay hydrated. This way, you can stop the spread of the virus and prevent others from getting infected.
- Get your annual flu shot for influenza – You can reduce the severity of your illness if you get the annual flu shot so don’t waste anymore time.
Start doing it now!
Get Your Annual Flu Shot for Influenza
The annual flu shot (also known as the seasonal vaccine) is a vaccine that was designed to protect individuals against influenza viruses. These viruses are very common during the flu season, which typically runs from October to May in the Northern Hemisphere. From north to south, Canada spans more than half the Northern Hemisphere therefore if you live in Canada, make sure to get your annual flu shot for influenza.
The flu shot contains an inactivated or weakened form of the virus. It can trigger an immune response inside your body without causing the actual illness. If you get vaccinated, your body can develop antibodies that will protect you from the influenza virus in case you get exposed to it during the flu season.
It’s important for you to get the flu vaccine every year because the flu viruses keep changing and evolving over time so in turn, the vaccine is annually updated to protect you against the most common strains of the virus that keep circulating. The vaccine protection is not 100%, but it is still an effective and safe way to protect yourself and others from the flu. It even reduces the duration and severity of your illness and it’s recommended for everyone over the age of 06 months.
The flu shot is available at Ranchland Pharmacy and our specially trained doctors can do it for you so make sure to visit us now and get your annual flu shot for influenza.