It’s that time of the year.
Flu germs seem to almost appear overnight and everyone is contemplating whether or not the flu shot is right for them. You may actually be having that same thought right now as well! Depending on who you talk to, thoughts and opinions about receiving your flu shot tend to vary. Even some medical professionals have a much different outlook on the importance of receiving a flu vaccine.
If you’ve been trying to decide whether to receive the flu shot for yourself or your family, here is some helpful information that might support you in your decision. (Please keep in mind that I’m not a doctor nor am I giving any type of medical advice. Always talk to your physician if you have questions about what is right for you.)
What to Include in Your Ultimate Flu Fighter Pack and Why You Should Have One!
The Importance of Receiving Your Flu Shot
Deciding whether or not to receive your flu shot each year may cause you to question the importance of it. While you aren’t alone in these thoughts, here is some information that will hopefully help answer your questions.
Why is it important to get the flu shot?
Plain and simple, the flu shot is the number one way to help prevent you (or your family members) from getting the flu. One important thing to consider is that while the flu shot is very effective and will help to protect from some flu strains, it may not protect you from all. While there isn’t a concrete number of flu strains, there are many out there that could possibly make you sick during this time of the year.
Will the flu shot prevents you from getting the flu?
Again, receiving the flu shot will help to prevent you from catching certain strains of the flu, but it doesn’t mean that you still can’t get the flu. The flu shot will help to protect you against the certain strains of flu more so than if you didn’t have the flu shot at all. In fact, research has shown that it can lower the severity of symptoms if you do happen to get sick.
At what age kids can get the flu shot?
According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control), it is recommended that kids over the age of 6 months old receive the flu shot. Children under the age of 5 are considered to be in a high-risk category for a wide variety of health complications that can arise from the flu.
One statistic that many people don’t know?
70-90% of flu cases can be averted with vaccinations. That’s a large statistic to doubt!
If you are looking for ways to combat the flu in your home this year, consider having a family flu fighter pack that every member of your family can use!
What’s included in a family flu fighter pack?
While you can include anything that you want, some items to consider could be:
- Nose Spray
- Cough Drops
- Vitamin C Drops
- Tylenol/Ibuprofen
- Hot Tea
- Vitamin-rich foods
As with any type of medicine, make certain that you keep items out of reach of your children so that they don’t ingest anything that they aren’t supposed to!
This year, consider the positives and benefits of receiving your flu shot and make the choice that is best for you and your family’s health!
Head to Loblaws to book an appointment with one of their in-store registered dietitians for more information on foods that help support good overall and immune health, and while you’re there, visit your in-store pharmacist for your flu shot.
****Disclosure: This post is written in partnership with Loblaws but thoughts expressed here are my own and honest****
FREE Self-Care Planner Bundle when you subscribe!
Your email will never be shared!
[…] weather is cooling down so be prepared with your flu fighter packs and allergy remedies. Cold and sniffles making rounds come with the territory so it doesn’t […]