What is Herd Immunity ?
Why Are Flu Shots Necessary ?
How Do I Know it ’ s the Flu ?
Slow the Spread of the Flu with Herd Immunity
Fall time also means it ’ s flu season , and with new cases on the rise , we at Renown Health encourage you to do your part in keeping your Fall activities community safe . How can you protect your whole community ? Through something called herd immunity .
We spoke with Renown Health infection prevention expert Susanne James to talk about how getting your flu shot is vital for staying healthy and protecting your families and community
What is Herd Immunity ?
Our friends at the Cleveland Clinic define herd immunity as : enough people in a group or area achieving immunity ( protection ) against a virus or other infectious agent to make it very difficult for the infection to spread . Immunity happens in multiple ways : through natural infection , vaccination or passive transfer . Vaccination is the best way .
Why Are Flu Shots Necessary ?
Immunizations or vaccines save the lives of thousands each year . They protect us from illnesses that can lead to other serious complications . Not only do they protect the individuals getting the vaccine , but through herd immunity , the vaccines protect people that are unable to get any vaccines due to compromised immune systems as well as our elderly community members . By getting a flu shot , you contribute to this protective barrier , helping to prevent outbreaks and keep everyone safer .
Susanne says the ideal time to get your flu shot is September through October .
This timing allows the vaccine to provide the strongest protection during the length of flu season , as it takes two weeks for the antibodies to develop in your body .
How Do I Know it ’ s the Flu ?
In general , the flu , common cold and COVID-19 can share similar symptoms such as fever , body aches , fatigue and coughs . So , it can be difficult to determine what your symptoms are attributed to .
Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of the following :
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Purple or blue color lips
• Pain or pressure in the chest or stomach
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Seizures
• Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with an even worse cough
Don ’ t wait until flu season is in full swing . Convenience is key , and Renown Health offers flu shots at various locations to make it as convenient as possible for you . Whether you prefer visiting our pharmacies or primary care offices , we ' ve got you covered . Our goal is to ensure everyone in our community has access to the flu vaccine .
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