It’s the holiday season and while spirits are high, so is flu, cold and COVID activity. So far, Connecticut has seen about 12,000 flu cases, 153 hospitalizations and one reported death.
The good news is an annual flu shot could keep you healthy, or at least protect you from the worst of it.
“Receiving an annual flu shot is extremely important in helping to reduce the severity of illness,” says Shane Joy, PA, a primary care provider with Hartford HealthCare Medical Group.
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Those vaccinated against the flu have shorter disease course, and fewer symptoms, hospitalizations and, ultimately, deaths.
“Just like the COVID vaccine, the flu shot does not prevent us from the flu; it protects us from severe symptoms and complications,” Joy explains.
In addition, flu viruses change every year.
“That’s why it’s so important to update your vaccinations annually to provide the most up-to-date protection,” Joy advises.
While it’s ideal to get your flu shot before the season starts, it’s almost never too late. As long as the flu is circulating, a flu shot will provide protection.
“Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends getting your flu shot before October, as long as influenza is around, so are the vaccines,” Joy says. “As a healthcare provider, it’s better knowing my patients were vaccinated late than not at all.”
When gathering with friends and family this holiday season, Joy suggests the following ways to prevent and reduce the spread of illness:
Flu symptoms include:
All Hartford HealthCare Medical Group primary care locations have this season’s vaccine available. Make an appointment to get the flu vaccine!
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