We’ve all heard of it: the dreaded flu season. It doesn’t seem to matter where we live; we can’t avoid it. For some of us, it’s a minor inconvenience. But for others, it can be a serious health concern.

Staying Healthy During Flu Season: The Statistics

According to the National Immunization Survey, vaccination coverage in the US in 2021-22 was:

• 57.8% (children six months through 17 years), which was a decrease of 0.8% over the previous flu season
• 49.4% in adults over 18 years, also a reduction of 0.8% from the 2020-2021 season.
• Over the total population, only half of those eligible received their flu shot, a further decrease of 0.7% over the previous season.

Staying Healthy During Flu Season: Recommendations

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all individuals six months of age and older- without contraindications – get a flu vaccine every year. However, many people do not follow this recommendation. This leaves many people vulnerable to the flu during its peak season, typically between October and May.

Staying Healthy During Flu Season: What You Can Do

As the old saying goes, there’s no point sending an ambulance to the bottom of the cliff! This is especially true when it comes to the flu. Every year, many people end up in hospital, and some die from flu-related complications during flu season. But the good news is that there are things we can do to protect ourselves from the flu. Here are a few tips:

Practice good hygiene

This means washing your hands regularly and well, avoiding touching your face, and coughing or sneezing into your elbow or a tissue (not your hands!). Good hygiene will help you avoid getting sick in the first place and will also stop the spread of germs if you are already ill.

Stay away from sick people

If someone around you is sick, try to keep your distance. And if you’re the one who’s sick, do everyone a favor and stay home until you’re feeling better. Unfortunately, flu season brings higher than normal levels of community sickness.

Boost your immune system

Eat healthy foods, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly. These things will help your body fight off any flu germs that come its way.

Prepare ahead

Have a plan for what you would do if you or someone in your family got sick. Know where you would go for medical care, and make sure you have any medications you might need on hand.

Get vaccinated!

This is the best way to prevent illness during flu season. The vaccine isn’t perfect, but it’s your best chance of avoiding the flu. And even if you get sick, the vaccine can help make your symptoms milder and shorter-lived. At Affordacare, we can help with vaccinations to ensure your family stays healthy.

In a Nutshell

Following these tips can help you stay healthy during flu season. But remember, even if you do everything right, there’s always a chance you could still get sick. So don’t let your guard down! Stay vigilant, be prepared for whatever comes your way, and contact Affordacare if you have any questions or concerns. We’re here to help you stay healthy all year long!