December 5-9, 2022 is National Influenza (Flu) Vaccination Week

National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) is a national awareness week that focuses on the importance of influenza vaccination. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu season in US hasn't been this bad this early in over a decade, with flu hospitalizations worse than usual for this time of year.

The best way to reduce the risk of seasonal flu and its potentially serious complications is to get vaccinated every year.

In addition to vaccinations, good health habits can also help prevent and help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like flu.

Resource:

‍ https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/actions-prevent-flu.htm

• Everyone 6 months and older should get an annual flu vaccine, ideally by the end of October.
• It is especially important that people who are at a higher risk of developing serious flu are vaccinated to decrease their risk of severe flu illness and complications include young children and babies, people over 65 years and older, pregnant women and people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart orlung disease.
• Vaccination is important for health care workers and other people who live with or care for people at higher risk to keep from spreading flu to them. This is especially true for people who work in long-term care facilities, which are home to many of the people most vulnerable to flu.
• Children under the age of 6 months of age are at high risk of serious flu complications but are too young to be vaccinated. People who live with or care for infants should be vaccinated instead.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. If you are sick, keep your distance from others, ideally staying home, to prevent spreading your illness to others.
• When you feel a cough or sneeze coming on, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue, or cough or sneeze into your elbow. Flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk.
• Clean your hands - washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Unless you have just washed your hands, avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
  Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Practiceother good health habits.
  Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
• Visit: https://www.vaccines.gov/find-vaccines/ to find a flu vaccination clinic near you.