Flu season is starting up again, and the Dallas County Public Health Department wants you to be prepared!
Influenza tends to spread more rapidly during the fall and winter seasons and peaks between December and February. The best way to prevent the flu is to receive a flu vaccine. Everyone ages 6 months and older should receive a flu shot every year.
October is the ideal month to get your flu vaccine because it gives your immune system plenty of time to prepare, and it remains effective throughout the rest of flu season. If you aren’t able to get a flu shot before the end of the month, you can still benefit from getting one at your next earliest availability.
Flu vaccines can prevent you from getting sick with influenza in the first place. If you still do get sick, having the vaccine can reduce the severity of illness and the risk of hospitalization. Getting vaccinated might also prevent you from spreading the flu to those around you — especially those who are more vulnerable, such as the elderly or infants.
Additional habits that help prevent the spread of flu and other respiratory illnesses include frequently washing hands, sneezing or coughing into your elbow, staying home when you don’t feel well and avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Flu Prevention webpage to learn more.
Make an appointment with your primary care doctor to receive your flu shot or go to Vaccines.gov to find a pharmacy offering them near you.
Natalie Peters is the community health educator in the Dallas County Public Health Department.
