For those who still have not gotten a flu shot this season, let this be a reminder to do it while you’re still healthy.
Influenza, also known as flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus. Flu symptoms begin similarly to cold symptoms; you may experience a sore or scratchy throat, headache, chills and lethargy.
But these symptoms get worse before they get better and can ultimately lead to death.
That’s no exaggeration. The Washington Post states in an article that in the U.S. while nine out of 10 people use seatbelts, less than half get the flu vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports about 80,000 people died in the 2017-18 flu season.
Some of the more serious flu symptoms are muscle and body aches, vomiting and diarrhea. The real unpleasant part of the flu, however, comes from the complications it can cause.
One of the most common complications of influenza is pneumonia and, while that’s serious and scary in itself, other complications can include inflammation of the heart, brain or muscle tissues, as well as multi-organ failure. If the flu virus infects your respiratory tract, it can trigger an extreme inflammatory response and even lead to sepsis.
Those who are at high risk of developing serious flu-related complications include people 65 and older, people who already have a chronic condition, pregnant women and young children, especially those younger than 2 years old, the agency’s website also stated.
Several other ways to prevent the flu, in addition to getting a flu shot, are by frequently washing your hands, covering coughs, seeing a doctor if you have a fever and staying home if you’re sick.
Even with a flu shot, there is a possibility people might still contract the flu virus. The CDC modifies the vaccine each year with what they believe will be the most prevalent strain. Because of this, every flu shot is a different strain than the year before.
While it’s true peak flu season last year didn’t occur until December, it usually occurs in November, so the time is now to protect yourself from this dangerous virus, as it’s impossible to predict exactly when you might be exposed. Don’t wait to get your flu shot until you think you’ve been exposed because the effects of the vaccination are not immediate.
There are many reasons to get vaccinations, but the main reason for stopping people from getting themselves and their families inoculated is because of the cost.
Several places around Houston and its surrounding areas offer flu shots at very reasonable, affordable costs. Most health insurance companies cover the cost of the flu shot and most of those covered don’t even have to pay a copay.
Some of the local flu shot locations include:
- Walgreens, CVS and other pharmacies
- Grocery stores with pharmacies inside, such as H-E-B
- Doctor offices
- Hospitals
- Urgent care clinics
Also, many organizations host flu shot clinics as part of an effort to get more people vaccinated. This includes your very own university. UHCL offers vaccines and immunizations for students and staff. In addition to flu shots, the Health and Wellness Center carries Meningitis, Tuberculosis, Tetanus, HPV and Hepatitis A and B vaccines.
To set up an appointment or ask about pricing, contact the front desk anytime between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday or 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday.
Getting the flu vaccine early is important because it can take around two weeks for the body to make the antibodies to fight off the flu. The sooner you get the flu vaccine, the sooner your body can help protect against the flu virus.
To sum up, flu shots are incredibly important because they help prevent a complicated, preventable disease from making you sick. Get yours today.
