December 16 , 2021 The Beacon • 11

The holidays are here , and while that means more opportunities for spreading cheer , there also is more opportunity for spreading flu and other respiratory viruses as people resume travel and gather with family and friends . National Influenza Vaccination Week ( Dec . 5-11 ) is an important reminder to check off one thing no one should go through the holiday season without : a flu vaccine .

Flu activity during the 2020-21 season was very low , likely because of

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COVID-19 prevention measures , and it ’ s important to know immune protection against flu decreases over time so many people may have reduced immunity to flu this season . As we celebrate this holiday season , health experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are particularly concerned about the impact reduced immunity could have on people who are already at higher risk of developing serious flu complications including those with certain chronic health conditions like asthma , heart disease and diabetes .

“ CDC estimates that only about half of adults 18-64 years of age with at least one chronic health condition received a flu vaccine last season ,” said Dr . Michael Jhung , a medical officer with CDC ’ s influenza division . “ This means many people who are most vulnerable

to getting very sick with flu are not getting the protection they need .”

While it is ideal to get a flu vaccine before flu starts spreading in your community , getting vaccinated later is still beneficial during most seasons . Flu most commonly peaks in February , and significant

activity can continue into May , so there is still time to get vaccinated if you haven ’ t already . Go to your doctor or local pharmacy to get your flu vaccine , encourage your loved ones to get their flu vaccine and learn more about the benefits of getting vaccinated against flu . Our Maternal and

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Child Health Center here at the Coshocton County Health Department offers flu vaccines to anyone under the age of 19 . You can call 740-622-2999 for more information .

This column was written by Cindy Hilbish , health educator with the Coshocton County Health Department .

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