To be clear, the CDC recommends everyone over the age of 6 months get a flu shot this year. The most vulnerable are seniors over age 65 and young children with respiratory issues like asthma and illness which lowers immunity. There is more to understand about the 2022-2023 flu season: preparing your family.
The flu season starts in October, peaks in December through February and can last through May. Getting the flu shot for yourself and your family is best completed by the end of October. It takes two weeks for the immunity to kick in, so don’t wait until the flu is rampant in your area. Keep in mind, you can still get a shot late in the season.
This year, the flu could be severe. It has been reduced the last few years due to the COVID restrictions.
Every year there are millions of cases, several hundred thousand hospitalizations, and tens of thousands of deaths. In a normal flu season 40,000 deaths can occur. Many of those deaths are children.
Some people could have the flu and COVID at the same time this season, overwhelming our healthcare system. Get protected from both — it is possible to get both vaccines at the same time.
You need a specific vaccine to protect you from each virus. The flu shot won’t protect you from COVID and vice versa.
If you have a well care visit coming up, ask for both vaccines to be administered. Of course you can visit almost any pharmacy or other clinic to receive the shot.
If your child is receiving their first flu vaccine, they need to get two shots several weeks apart to boost their immunity. Talk to your doctor about the specifics.
The flu bug hits you quite suddenly. That is one of its telltale signs, whereas a cold usually comes on gradually.
Look for the following symptoms:
With COVID, strep and other respiratory illnesses coming at us during 2022-2023, here is a valuable chart to help you decipher the symptoms. WMC may also want to conduct tests.
Keeping your family safe from illness is a parent’s responsibility. Protection is always easier than the treatment.
If you would like to schedule your flu shot or if you have questions about the flu season and preparing your family, contact Weirton Medical Center at (304) 797-6362 to make an appointment.