Are you looking for ways to keep your family healthy this flu season? Read on to learn about all the benefits of the flu vaccine, and why it’s your best bet for avoiding the flu.

80,000+ people died from it in one season. 7.3 million Americans caught it last season. We’re already seeing a lot of cases of it in my office. I’m talking about the flu, and these numbers are the scary truth. The brains at the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) say that getting the flu shot is the best way to decrease your risk of the flu and its complications. The flu shot saves lives, just like all of the other vaccines out there. I know a lot of people personally who strongly believe in ALL of the vaccines that are given to children and adults, but adamantly refuse the flu vaccine. I want to clear up some of the misinformation out there. I’ll show you why the flu shot is your best bet for avoiding the flu.

When the flu hit me

I’ve gotten the flu shot every year that I can remember. In 2012, I had a long-distance move, got married, started a new position, and somehow missed getting my flu shot. While I was at work one day (mind you, at my new job), I got a sudden wave of tiredness. I remember having a bad headache, feeling weak in my legs and being slumped over with my head laying on my laptop. Instead of seeing patients, I needed to be one myself. I had a FEVER! I couldn’t remember the last time I had ever had a fever!

The flu had actually hit me then, and hit me hard. Luckily, I was able to start treatment quickly, but it was a lousy time. I wasn’t really up to doing anything and had to miss work and just sit home in misery! The up side was that I had some time to take care of myself. I got my flu shot as soon as I was better, and have luckily never had the flu again.

Why you should get your flu vaccine

It’s Safe

So, what about those who have heard “I got the flu shot before and got sick from it”? The reality is that the flu vaccine given as an injection is a “killed” virus.  It can’tt cause actual flu symptoms. On the other hand, the flu shot is typically given DURING the cold and flu season when there are a ton of other cold viruses around. So if I receive a flu vaccine today, I could have been exposed to a totally different cold virus a few days ago, and my symptoms start to show themselves after I get my flu shot. Those symptoms would’ve shown up with or without the shot. So please don’t blame it!

Protect the vulnerable

The flu is especially dangerous for children aged 0-4, the elderly (65 and older), pregnant women, and those with medical problems already. They’re at the highest risk of complications, such as pneumonia, and spending time in the hospital. By getting the flu shot, you can save your own life and those around you who are the most vulnerable. I’ve had a patient as young as 2 weeks old, with the flu. Thank God, this patient had a good outcome, but it could have been so bad! The flu shot is only approved for ages 6 months and older, too, so imagine those little ones who can’t be protected but are exposed? Imagine being the parent of a baby who’s too young to get the flu shot, but gets the flu from someone who could have gotten the shot but didn’t? I’d be more than upset!

Milder Flu for you

To be totally honest, the flu shot is not 100% effective, but last year, the protection rate is close to 50%. So getting your flu shot will reduce your risk of getting sick from the flu by half! Those odds are better then zero, so I’ll take it! To add to that, even if you do still get the flu, “your” flu will likely be milder than if you didn’t get the shot, and you’ll be protected against the complications.

The flu is expensive

I’ve personally seen the flu cause entire households to be “down for the count” for up to a week. This time off from school and work can’t be replaced. The body aches, fevers, headaches, and general “I don’t feel good” can all be avoided! The flu shot saves a lot of money in the long-run – the costs associated with missing work, or finding childcare for a sick child. Not to mention the costs of hospitalization or even ICU admission because of the flu.

I’ve seen what the flu can do, and it’s not something that I’d wish on anyone. It’s a lousy illness to suffer through, has the potential for serious complications, causes a lot of missed income and time in the classroom – but all of this is avoidable. So, should you receive the flu vaccine? ABSOLUTELY YES! Do it for yourself and those who can’t protect themselves!

If you’re looking for natural remedies to treat some of your kids’ illnesses, I encourage you to grab my helpful Natural Remedies printable as a part of my Balanced Mom Toolbox to keep on hand.

Other helpful resources related to benefits of the flu vaccine:

• Why I Give My Kids Vaccines
• Why I Gave My Kids The HPV Vaccine
• Overcoming 10 Myths About The Flu Vaccine
• What To Do When Your Kid Has The Flu

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