Almost everyone has had an influenza infection at some point in their lives.
Flu symptoms — fever/chills, cough, sore throat, runny/stuffy nose, muscle or body aches — can range from mildly uncomfortable to downright miserable. The flu can even be fatal to those at a higher risk for complications.
Even if you’re anticipating an easy flu season with mild to no infection, it makes sense to get a flu shot this fall.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that during the 2022-2023 season, flu vaccination prevented 6 million flu-related illnesses, 2.9 million medical visits, 65,000 hospitalizations, and 3,700 deaths.
Getting a flu shot not only helps prevent illness from flu, it can also make the virus less severe if you become infected. The CDC recommends everyone age 6 months and older get a flu shot each year, with rare exceptions.
Protecting yourself with a flu shot can also help limit the viral spread, which adds a layer of protection for people who could get very sick from the flu, including adults age 65 and older and people with chronic health conditions like asthma, heart disease and diabetes.
This fall, get a flu shot and lessen your chances of illness this winter. Learn more about flu prevention and care at Endeavor Health.
