Michiganders…flu season is here!! Sounds exciting, right? While catching the flu doesn’t sound exciting at all, there are some preventative measures that we can take to reduce our risk. With all that’s going on in the world the last thing we need is the flu. As COVID-19 continues to remain a pain point within the world, it’s important this year to take preventative measures in getting the flu shot while our healthcare system is very vulnerable. Obtaining a flu shot is a great way to reduce the risk of additional outbreaks and deadly diseases. While there are so many myths and misconceptions about the flu shot, the shot itself cannot  cause the flu.

Preventative measures like getting the flu shot is very important. It’s also important to get the vaccine as soon as possible.  Not only are you protecting yourself, you are also protecting your family, friends and others around you. According to Michigan.gov (MIFluFocus), there were 952 (147 pediatric, 805 adult) flu-related hospitalizations reported for the 2019-20 flu season. (Source). This included six pediatric flu-related deaths in Michigan for 2019-20. (Source).

If you’re apprehensive about the flu shot, below are six benefits that may help with your decision:

• • • • Flu vaccination helps keep you and your loved ones out of the doctor’s office and out of the hospital.
      • If you do get sick with the flu, flu vaccination has been shown in several studies to reduce its severity. 
      • A 2017 study showed that flu vaccination reduced deaths, ICU admissions, ICU length of stay, and overall duration of hospitalization among hospitalized flu patients. (Source)
      • Flu vaccination can save children’s lives.
      • Flu vaccination helps protect women during and after pregnancy.
      • Flu vaccination helps prevent the flu in people with chronic health conditions.
      • For parents: Vaccines are safe, effective and help protect everyone.

While the world is experiencing unprecedented times it’s important to remain proactive and prioritize our health. Let’s all do our part to protect ourselves and the people around us.

Visit The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for more resources and information about the flu vaccine: http://gofyi.ly/AA29AA00.