Tis the Season....for the flu?
I
normally wouldn't blog on a controversial topic such as thing, but having Spina
Bifida has compromised my immune system from day one and I have always had a
rough go with the flu. It’s something I've always been willing to raise
awareness to and this year it seems necessary.
Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness
caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild
to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Some people, such as older
people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk
for serious flu complications. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting
vaccinated each
year.
The influenza vaccine is the best way to prevent the flu, and flu prevention should be a goal for everyone. Flu shots and the
nasal flu vaccine work by causing antibodies to develop in your body. These
antibodies provide protection against infection from the flu virus. Remember that the flu vaccine cannot cause the flu.
The flu has always been a rough virus for me to fight. I get
a flu shot every year to help fight the flu and to make sure that I don’t
spread the virus to anyone around me. The flu almost took my life in my early
20’s and I ended up hospitalized; it was a horrible experience I’ll never
forget. It’s a virus that I tend to be a bit fearful of.
Now that I’m a mother I worry for the health of my son, so I
make sure he gets vaccinated every year as well. I don’t want him to have to
suffer from the flu because I didn’t take the time to get him a flu shot and I
don’t want him to pass the virus to the other children he’s around at daycare.
The
CDC released a statement on Monday warning Americans of the upcoming flu
season. The flu season has started early this year (earliest they’ve seen in a
decade) and it’s hitting hard; children especially. Health officials are urging people to get their flu shots now, including
babies older than six months, and all adults and children. The CDC is saying this flu strain is “early,
serious, and caused by a virus that causes more serious illness.”
As a parent with a child in daycare I encourage you to at
least get your child vaccinated so they can fight the flu and so they don’t put
the other children they are around at risk. Please.
I know it’s a controversial topic for some and I respect each
person’s decision to what they believe is best for themselves and their family.
I just wanted to raise awareness to the recent statements from the CDC and to
what’s circulating on the news this week.
Stick it to the flu and get your shot.
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