Health eMinutes

Why Should You Get a Flu Shot?

Flu season is here, and unfortunately, this unwelcome visitor will be with us from now through about April of next year. The flu virus is transmitted from person to person by coughing, sneezing and touching surfaces like doorknobs or telephones. Now is the time to reduce your risk of catching this highly infectious and sometimes serious disease by getting a flu shot.

A flu shot is necessary every year. The flu vaccine you received last year wasn't designed to fight the virus strains in circulation this flu season. Influenza viruses mutate quickly, so last season's vaccine is already ineffective. Strains of influenza that will be most prevalent in the upcoming flu season are identified by an advisory group early in the year, and manufacturers produce vaccine based on those recommendations.

Highest at risk include individuals 65 and older, pregnant women, children six months to five years old, and people with certain chronic medical conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.

A yearly flu shot is 75 percent effective in preventing the flu and reducing its severity.

If you are a North Memorial Clinic patient, contact your clinic today to schedule an appointment for a flu shot. You can also visit any NOW Urgent Care to receive the vaccination. For a listing of clinics closest to you, go to www.nowmedical.com.