(Submitted by Atchison County Health Department)

The holidays are approaching and while it’s time to spread cheer, it also creates an opportunity to spread flu and other respiratory viruses as we all gather with friends and loved ones.

National Influenza Vaccination Week is a national awareness week focused on highlighting the importance of the influenza vaccination. We will observe National Influenza Vaccination Week December 2-6, a reminder for everyone six months and older that there’s still time to get a flu vaccine this season.

Influenza (flu) is a potentially serious disease that could lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death.

Who should get the vaccine?

The CDC recommends that anyone age six months and older receive their annual flu vaccine.  In addition, a flu vaccination is extremely important for those who are at higher risk of serious complications from influenza.

Complications of the flu

Complications of the flu can include bacterial pneumonia, sinus infection, ear infection, and worsening of chronic medical conditions.

Adults with asthma, heart disease, diabetes, and certain other chronic health conditions are at higher risk of developing potentially serious flu complications, including hospitalization or even death. In past flu seasons, nine out of 10 adults hospitalized with flu had at least one reported underlying medical condition with heart disease and diabetes being the most common of those hospitalized.

How does the flu vaccine work?

The flu vaccine causes antibodies to develop in the body up to two weeks after vaccination.  Antibodies are protective proteins produced by your immune system. They attach to antigens (foreign substances) — such as bacteria, fungi, viruses and toxins — and remove them from your body. These antibodies provide protection against the flu virus.

Whether it’s the flu shot or other vaccines, keeping our immune systems strong means we can enjoy the holiday season with family and friends. Give the gift of health this holiday season! Contact your local health department, pharmacy, clinic, or hospital to obtain your flu shot today.

Information taken from Center for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov) and APIC (apic.org)