Should I Get the Seasonal Flu Shot?

The Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC) recommends that everyone over the age of 6 months receive a seasonal flu shot. A seasonal flu shot not only protects you from a serious disease that may lead to hospitalization, it can also help your body build infection-fighting antibodies and protect your heart. This is especially true for those with pre-existing, chronic illnesses like heart disease, diabetes or high blood pressure. When you combine the flu virus with a pre-existing or chronic illness, your already taxed immune system may not be able to fight the flu virus on its own.

Still not convinced?

5 reasons why you should get the seasonal flu shot

• You can spread the flu to other people, even if you don’t get sick.
  Young, healthy people may carry the influenza virus without ever experiencing any signs or symptoms, but it’s still contagious.
• You can protect a child under 6 months.
  Babies younger than 6 months are much more susceptible to the influenza virus than adults. Unfortunately, they cannot get a flu shot; but you can help keep them safe by getting yourself vaccinated.
• Your smartphone can give you the flu.
  Viruses can easily cling to hard, plastic surfaces, like your smartphone as well as the tables, chairs and counters you set it on.
• The seasonal flu shot cannot give you the flu.
  This is a myth, the flu vaccine does not contain live flu virus.
• It might spare you a heart attack.
  Influenza causes inflammation throughout your body, which can cause arterial plaque to dislodge and form a blood clot.

If you haven’t received your seasonal flu shot yet, there is still time! For flu shots in Pomona Valley, visit Pomona Valley Health Centers and protect yourself (and those you may come in contact with) from this severe flu season.