Flu Shots!

October was National Flu Promotion Month, but it is just as important to keep it in mind as we kick off the month of November. Flu season is here, it is time to get your flu shot if you haven't already!

The best thing you can do to protect yourself and others is to receive your annual flu vaccine. The flu is a very contagious respiratory illness that infects the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. The flu should be taken seriously as in some cases it can lead to hospitalization and even death.

Now is the time to get your flu vaccine! It can take about two weeks for the flu fighting antibodies to develop in your body. The flu vaccine itself is a deactivated or “dead” version of the virus, this trains your immune system to trigger a protective response to the flu, but don’t worry the shot will not give you the flu illness.

As we approach flu season we start to develop some healthy habits to prevent the spread of the virus. We should avoid close contact with people who are sick, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and remember to wash your hands frequently.

Practicing other healthy habits like getting plenty of sleep, being physically active and managing your stress is also a key factor to our health.

More information and facts can be found in the poster below:

Symptoms of the flu to look out for:

- Fever

- Cough

- Sore throat

- Runny or stuffy nose

- Muscles or body aches

- Headaches

- Fatigue

- Possible vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children)

Remember that you are contagious a day before your symptoms arise.

Poster created by Jenna Beauvais and Caprice Henning.