Flu season is upon us once again. This time we’re more concerned with COVID-19 than the “regular flu” which is a concern. We focus on one new strain and not so much on the one that’s caught at this time of the year. We don’t have a vaccine for the current issue yet, but it’s important to know that we must still stay vigilant about the existing threat.

The flu is much more dangerous than people realize. It’s not just a high fever and a week in bed. It can cause a plethora of complications that can leave you damaged or lead to death.

The lungs are especially vulnerable, after all, we need them to deliver oxygen in the correct amount to our organs. The flu, even in a mild form, can damage our most important organ apart from our heart and can in fact damage that too.

There’s more harm done from the flu than from the vaccine. Every vaccine carries some risk, but it’s still worth the protection it’s given every year. Getting the vaccine is also doing your part in keeping others safe from the disease.

The most vulnerable people who should vaccinate first are the elderly over 65, young children, and those with any immunocompromising disease. This is everything from HIV to autoimmune disease.

Once your doctor or clinic has done a quick assessment, you’ll get the vaccine that’s appropriate for your age and any conditions you have. Any place that doesn’t have your medical records or if you haven’t had a physical in a long while will want you to alert the administering physician or nurse to your health condition.

If you’re around kids or the elderly regularly, then you should vaccinate. If you’re a caregiver of either group, vaccinating for the flu is just as important as vaccinating against any childhood disease for yourself.

As with any disease, it’s more about the spread of it. So, even if you never get sick, there’s always a chance you’re a carrier or are asymptomatic. This is another significant reason to get vaccinated.

If you’re asymptomatic meaning, you don’t show symptoms but are harboring the virus, it’s easy to give it to someone. The same works if you’re near someone that’s carrying it and spreads it to you.

We think it’s just good common sense and practice to get vaccinated and not have to think of any possibility highlighted here today.

Check with The Pharmacy if you have questions about the flu.