As we head into the 2023 flu season, getting a flu shot is super important to protect ourselves and our loved ones from flu-related infections and complications.
Although you believe your immune system is “strong” enough to fight off the flu without a vaccine – getting vaccinated yourself can protect people around you, including those who are more vulnerable to serious flu illness, like babies and young children, older people, and people with certain chronic health conditions.
Flu (influenza) is caused by a virus which spreads through respiratory droplets released by the body when we breathe out – when we talk, cough or sneeze. Depending on an individual’s health status or underlying risk profile, some people can get very sick from the flu virus.
According to Discovery here is how the getting vaccinated against the flu can you and your family this winter.
- The flu vaccine will help to lower your risk of becoming sick with flu.
- Although the flu vaccine doesn’t offer complete protection against getting the flu, it does lower your chances of getting the infection. And, if you do get flu, you’ll recover faster. This means you’re not infectious for as long, which helps limit the spread of infection to others.
- If you’re at a high risk of developing a serious influenza illness – like bronchitis and pneumonia – this vaccine is a must.
- If you live with a person who is at risk, your vaccine is also a must.
- It is still the most effective way to protect you against flu infection and its complications.
According to Dr Noluthando Nematswerani, Discovery Health’s Chief Clinical Officer says that “the same preventive measures that protect us from exposure to COVID-19 – like washing hands, wearing marks, practising social distancing, ensuring spaces are well ventilated and isolating when we are sick – also protect us from influenza infection.”
“And, just as COVID-19 vaccination adds a protective layer to our overall armour against the disease, flu vaccines do the same in protecting against influenza.”
