CGH Medical Center issued the following announcement on Oct. 18.
Last year's especially severe flu season caused a record number of deaths, according to initial estimates from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
During most flu seasons, somewhere between 12,000 and 56,000 people die of the flu and its complications. But during the 2017-2018 flu season, more than 80,000 people died from the flu and more than 900,000 were hospitalized, CDC reported.
A stark reminder
Millions of people get the flu each year. While most recover, many thousands are hospitalized or even die from flu-related complications. But last year's number of flu fatalities was unusually high, emphasizing one of the biggest reasons to get a flu vaccine ever year, according to CDC. That's the No. 1 way to reduce your family's chances of getting the flu. And if you get a vaccine and still get the flu, your illness probably won't be as bad.
Studies also show that vaccinations can reduce hospital stays due to the flu. For children, vaccines can be life-saving, according to CDC.
Routine for everyone, critical for some
CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine. It's best to do that in October, before flu season is in full swing. Getting vaccinated and avoiding a severe flu illness is especially important for people at high risk of complications. This includes:
People 65 and older.
Children younger than 5 years (but especially younger than 2 years).
Pregnant women.
People who have certain chronic health problems, including heart disease, asthma, COPD or diabetes.
Those with weak immune systems.
People in these high-risk groups are more vulnerable to serious flu complications, such as pneumonia; inflammation of the heart, brain or muscles; organ failure; and septic shock.
Don't like needles?
Besides the regular flu shot, a nasal spray vaccine is an option again this year. It's for healthy people (ages 2 years through 49) who are not pregnant.
Other options include a high-dose shot for older adults.
If you're not sure what's right for you, ask your doctor.
And if you do get the flu? Here's what can help you feel better.
Original source can be found here.
Source: CGH Medical Center
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