Many folks believe the flu, while unpleasant, is relatively harmless. Anyone, including healthy people, can become seriously ill. There’s also a risk of severe complications that could require hospitalization or become life-threatening.
This is especially true for vulnerable populations like those aged 65 and over, young children and anyone with pre-existing health conditions. If you or anyone you care for are in one of these groups, getting a flu vaccination is critical to decreasing the chance of life-threatening flu complications.
The flu vaccine can keep you from getting sick by helping your body recognize and fight off the virus, even when you’re unknowingly exposed to it. That’s right – the flu vaccination gives you superpowers. Getting your vaccine early can increase your odds of staying healthy throughout flu season.
If you dodge the flu vaccine, you are at risk of spreading the virus to friends, family and co-workers. Up to 30 percent of people who carry the flu virus never experience symptoms but are still contagious enough to pass the virus along. You could be sharing the flu with your family and friends and not even realize it! A flu vaccination can help prevent you from getting sick with the added bonus of keeping those you care about healthy.
Your body isn’t the only thing that takes a hit when the flu strikes. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle does too. The flu knocks your routine off balance by taking you away from work, the gym and fun adventures. Why get knocked down by the flu for a week, when you can get a flu vaccination in just a few minutes?
For little to no cost, you can get a flu vaccine to help you avoid getting the flu – and a pile of bills. Without your vaccination, you could end up paying for medication, doctor’s visits or even a hospital stay.
These costs can quickly exceed what you would spend getting your flu vaccination in the first place, especially if the flu causes you to miss work and a paycheck. Each year, employees miss approximately 17 million workdays because of the flu – that amounts to $7 billion a year in sick days and lost productivity. Getting a flu vaccine may be the best investment you make each year!