As someone who examines health on a population level, I have seen how influenza, or flu, sweeps through communities every year. I have also heard reasonable people explain to me why they choose not to get vaccinated. While I cannot persuade everyone to make this personal decision, it is my duty to ensure our community has access to the most accurate information available, so they can make the best decisions for themselves and their families.
I am fortunate to work with world-class researchers and health care providers who dedicate their lives to keeping communities safe and healthy. One recurring theme I hear year after year is: Get your flu shot.
Why is a disease that we can see coming months in advance still hitting epidemic levels every single winter?
[See: How to Disinfect Germ Hotspots.]
Let’s examine what we know:
The flu causes millions of missed days of work and school each year. In the United States alone, about 36,000 people die annually and more than 200,000 are hospitalized because of the flu.
We are fortunate to have a vaccine for this disease that is safe and cost-effective. Yet, according to the NYC Health Department, only about half of New Yorkers get vaccinated. Public health officials and those who work in population health, like me, are on a mission to change this.
We want to safeguard our community as much as possible from unnecessary hospital visits and missed days of school, work and fun. Montefiore, the health system where I work, aims to have all patients, staff and community members vaccinated. We do this by analyzing flu data to understand why certain neighborhoods are more impacted, partnering with organizations in the community to hold pop-up flu vaccination events and hosting educational flu workshops. If you don’t live in the Bronx, you might consider contacting your local community health center to find out if they have similar initiatives nearby.
We invest so much in helping people get the vaccine because if everyone in the community gets the flu shot, we are protecting vulnerable people who can’t get the vaccine, such as infants and the very sick. For people in this category, the flu can cause more serious complications, including pneumonia and even death.
[See: 10 Cold and Flu Myths Debunked.]
If I had 10 minutes with everyone in my community to discuss the flu, here is what I would tell them:
— Anyone who spends time with vulnerable people, including caregivers, health care workers and nursing home residents, needs to get vaccinated. Other vulnerable individuals include young children, people 65 and older, those who are immune-compromised and people with chronic health conditions like asthma, congestive heart failure and diabetes. The flu is very dangerous for these populations.
— Some people think the flu vaccine causes the flu because they once got the flu several days after getting the vaccine. However, it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against the flu. Therefore, you’re still at risk of contracting the flu in the two weeks after you have been vaccinated. This why it’s better to get vaccinated before the flu season gets underway.
— You can spread the flu if you’re feeling good. Twenty to 30 percent of people carrying the influenza virus have no symptoms.
— Washing your hands (with soap or using sanitizer) and coughing or sneezing into a tissue or a sleeve (as opposed to your hands) can also help prevention transmission of the flu.
— The flu vaccine is covered by insurance, often at no cost depending on where it is administered.
— If you get the flu, it is important to stay home (and not to go to work or school, where the risk of infecting others is high) until you are fever free for at least 24 hours. Getting plenty of rest and drinkings lots of fluids is the best way to recuperate.
— If you are caring for a vulnerable person and you or they are experiencing flu symptoms, call your primary care doctor immediately to see if the antiviral medication is right for you. Generally, this medication works best if given within the first 48 hours of illness.
— If you are just feeling sick, it is not advisable to go to the emergency room. Emergency rooms are for people who are very sick. Showing up when you don’t need to be there puts you and others at unnecessary risk of infection.
— There is an exception to my emergency department tip. If you or your loved one is experiencing warning signs like difficulty breathing, bluish skin color, dehydration, lethargy, dizziness, confusion or severe and persistent vomiting, please seek care immediately.
— Any infant who has symptoms of the flu and is unable to eat, has difficulty breathing or shows a sign of dehydration (e.g., fewer wet diapers than normal, no tears when crying) should also get medical help right away.
[See: Old-School Cold Remedies That Really Work.]
We don’t know what this flu season will look like, but we know that if more people get vaccinated and follow the above recommendations, it’ll help everyone. Stay well this season!
More from U.S. News
How to Disinfect Germ Hotspots
Can You Trust Your ‘Yuck’ Reflex?
10 Cold and Flu Myths Debunked
Why The Flu Shot Isn’t About You — But You Should Get It Anyway originally appeared on usnews.com
