The air outside is chilly and the first wave of El Niño storms is behind us, which means winter in San Diego has officially arrived! Unfortunately, this also means flu season, which typically begins in October, is about to peak. Influenza, commonly referred to as the flu, is an infection that affects everyone differently and also varies from year to year.
Common flu symptoms include:
- Fever/chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny/stuffy nose
- Aches and pains
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Usually people recover from the flu with at-home care and bed rest. But in some cases, influenza can lead to more severe health concerns, resulting in hospitalization or even death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates flu-related deaths in the U.S. ranged from 3,000 to as high as 49,000 from 1976 to 2007. The majority of deaths in recent years have occurred in the elderly, but high rates of hospitalization among young and middle-aged adults have also been reported.
One of the best ways to protect yourself from the flu is getting your annual flu shot.
Today, there are vaccines available for a variety of viruses. Some vaccines work with one injection, while others require booster shots. Many are optional, but a few are required by employers and schools. The medical community recommends the majority of people 6 months and older receive a flu shot every year. About two weeks after the flu vaccine is injected into your body, antibodies begin to develop. These antibodies provide protection against infection with the virus that is in the vaccine.
If you haven’t gotten your annual flu shot yet, it’s not too late!
Family Health Centers of San Diego providers can help you decide if the flu shot is right for you and also answer any questions or concerns you might have about vaccinations in general. To schedule an appointment with a provider, please call (619) 515-2300.
