In the United States, flu season is usually between the fall and winter seasons. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that anyone six months and older get the flu shot. It is hard to predict how bad the seasonal flu will be.

You should get a flu vaccine before flu viruses begin spreading in your community since it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against flu.

Make plans to get vaccinated early in the fall, before flu season begins. CDC recommends that people get a flu vaccine by the end of October.

Benefits of the Flu Vaccine

Flu vaccination has important benefits. It can reduce flu illnesses, doctor visits, and missed work and school days. It can also prevent flu-related hospitalizations and deaths.

While it’s possible to get the flu year-round, the fall and winter months are prime flu season, and getting together with family and friends makes it even easier to pass illnesses on to the people you love. With the right plan, you can help avoid the flu as best as possible and be prepared if it does hit your home.

What We Can Do To Keep the Flu Away

Follow these tips to prepare for flu season:

  • Keep your living area clean
  • Practice good hygiene
  • Cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing
  • Distance yourself from others
  • Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds between meals, after using the restroom, before and after caring for someone who is sick, and after touching unsanitary materials or surfaces
  • Disinfect heavily touched items like doorknobs, remote controls, and phones
  • Sanitize your workstation and car
  • Stock up on household supplies such as tissues, hand soap, hand sanitizer, disinfectant spray, cleaning supplies, and paper towels.
  • Keep extra masks on hand
  • Fill the fridge and pantry with meals that can be easily prepared for your family, including healthy snacks and plenty of water
  • Stock up on your medicine cabinet with cough syrups, fever reducers, pain relief, and decongestants
  • Start a weekly regular exercise regimen, and a balanced diet to prevent the flu
  • Get plenty of rest and a good night’s sleep

Getting a Flu Shot Helps Everyone

The flu vaccine may be offered at your place of work or school. If not, schedule an appointment with your primary care physician or your local urgent care. You can also talk with your doctor about boosting your immune system with vitamins and health supplements.

Encourage other family members, friends, and coworkers to get the flu vaccine, and remember to practice the Golden Rule: “Treat others as you would wish to be treated.” Our choices affect those around us, and their decisions affect us. For the common good, stay home if you are feeling sick.

View flu resources at https://www.thewellnesscoalition.org/flu/.