Every year anestimated 36,000 Americans die fromthe flu. Many of these deaths may have been prevented by getting a flu shot. According to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices(ACIP)everyone 6 months or older should get annual influenza vaccinationswith rareexceptions.
Here are some of the important benefits of getting your annual flu shot:
- Proven effectiveness: Research studies indicate that the flu vaccine can reduce your risk of developing flu by as much as 40 to 60%. During the years 2017 and 2018 an estimated 7.1 million illnesses, 3.7 million medical visits, and 8000 death related to influenza were prevented by the fluvaccination.
- Reduces the risk of infection in children: The immune system in children is not fully developed and hence they belong to the high-risk group for influenza related illnesses. A research studyshow that pediatric intensive care unit admissions related to the flu reduced by 74% in the 2010-2012 period.
- May prevent worsening of chronic healthconditions in the elderly: The flu vaccine has been associated with lower rates of cardiac events in people with heart disease, lowered complications of chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, diabetes and other comorbid conditions.
- Protecting women during pregnancy: Acute respiratory infections due to flu in pregnant women can be reduced by as much as 50% by the flu vaccine.
It is during the cold, winter months that people are more susceptible to the flu-related illnesses. Choosing to get the flu vaccine now could have a direct health benefit not only on you, but on your family, coworkers and others in your community.
At North Central Surgical Center, our mission is to treat each and every one of our patients, and their families, as if they were our own family member. Each patient, each family, each and every time.
