The Dreaded Annual Flu Shot

Every year as fall rolls around, it brings with it changing colors, cooler weather, and of course, cold and flu season. It seems every where you go, there is someone coughing or sneezing way too close for comfort. On the subway, in your office, or in your child’s school, you will be hard-pressed to get away from it.

During this sniffily time of year many people, including myself, will break out the disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer. And while these are some of the best practices to get into, an even better way to help protect yourself from the worst of these germs is to get your annual flu shot.

There is always talk from people who say that the shot only protects you from specific strains of the virus and, unfortunately, this is true. The flu virus mutates each year, and doctors try their best to create a vaccine that will best cover the most harmful strains.

However, this does not mean that getting a flu shot is a waste of time. Anyone older than 6 months is recommended to get vaccinated in the form of either a shot or a nasal spray. The flu can affect even a healthy person and they can spread it to others.

Local pharmacies, such as Walgreens and CVS, are making it easier for you and your family to get protected this year. Many of these stores have walk-in clinics or available times to make an appointment. For most cases, your insurance will cover it but make sure you check before you go in

Bottom line, you should go and get your flu shot, if not for your family, friends and co-workers, but for yourself. So that the next time you are riding the subway and the stranger sitting besides you starts having a coughing fit, you will thank yourself 100 times over for that flu shot you got.