Flu shots won't make you sick, but they will help protect you: column

2:12 AM, Nov. 15, 2013  |  Comments
No more excuses for avoiding flu shots
No more excuses for avoiding flu shots: This flu season, there are multiple versions of the flu vaccine. So whether you're pregnant, have allergies or just hate needles, there's a flu shot for you.
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Influenza is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death. The illness causes missed work and school days. In 2012, Americans missed 17 million work days due to flu-related illness, resulting in more than $6.2 billion in costs to companies' bottom lines.


Despite the evidence and recommendations, hundreds of thousands of Wisconsin residents won't get vaccinated this year. Not only does that put your own personal health and well-being at risk, but it increases the chances of your family, friends, co-workers and neighbors getting sick too.

Consider the following:


? Young, healthy people get the flu, too. Influenza does not discriminate against age or healthy habits. Just because you're young or don't typically get sick doesn't mean you can't catch the flu. According to the CDC, people who have the flu can spread it to others from as far as six feet away. You can also catch the flu from someone who has yet to exhibit any signs or symptoms of being sick.

? The flu shot is not expensive. In most cases, the cost of a flu shot is covered by your health insurance plan, whether you buy health insurance on your own or are covered through your employer, through Medicare or Medicaid. More employers are now offering free onsite flu shot clinics at the office. If you get the flu, the cost of treating it and the potential for missed days of work or school far exceeds the cost of the vaccination.

? Getting the flu shot vaccine is fast, easy and convenient. Getting a flu shot takes no more than five minutes. Most neighborhood pharmacies even offer walk-in options, so you don't need to make an appointment. If you are unemployed or your employer doesn't offer flu shots, you can go to your primary care doctor or nearby wellness clinic, most retail pharmacies or contracted flu shot providers. Visit www.flu.gov to find a list of flu shot providers near you.

Make your and your family's health a priority this year by getting a flu shot.

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