03/05/2025
It Is Still Flu Season!
Influenza viruses circulate annually in the United States from late fall to early spring. As of January 2025, there is still high flu-like activity among the majority of the U.S. Most people recover from the flu without serious complications. However, it could possibly lead to serious illness and hospitalizations, especially for older adults, very young children, those who are pregnant, and those with chronic medical conditions. It is important to stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones!
What can you do?
• Get Vaccinated: The influenza vaccine (flu shot) is the best protection against the virus! The CDC recommends getting it before October. However, if you haven’t already gotten a flu shot, you can still benefit from receiving an influenza vaccine NOW as the virus is still circulating the country!
• Avoid Exposure: Wash your hands often and cover coughs and sneezes. Wear a mask if you are at high risk.
• Monitor Symptoms: Fever, chills, fatigue, body aches, sore throat, cough, vomiting, and diarrhea are all possible symptoms of the flu.
Who should get an influenza vaccine?
• Anyone older than 6 months should receive an influenza vaccine annually. Adults over the age of 65 years old are eligible for a high-dose influenza vaccine.
- Persons with an egg allergy can receive any influenza vaccine (egg-based or non-egg based) appropriate for age and health status. Multiple studies indicate that people will egg allergies are not at increased risk of severe allergic reactions to egg-based influenza vaccines.
How well does the influenza vaccine work?
• Getting vaccinated against influenza decreases your chances of contracting the flu and decreases your likelihood of becoming severely sick. It is still possible to contract the flu after being vaccinated, but your illness will be less severe.
Who should NOT get the influenza vaccine?
• Those who had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) after a previous dose or to a vaccine component.
• Immunocompromised individuals should not receive live attenuated influenza vaccines, like FluMist, but they can receive inactivated or recombinant influenza vaccines.
The influenza vaccine is covered by most insurances! Call us at Jolley’s Pharmacy Redwood for vaccine availability and more information at 801-747-7500.
