Every fall, the flu returns to the Tri-City Area, just as school, work and family gatherings ramp up. For many families in Fremont, Union City and Newark, one case of the flu can quickly spread through the whole household.
Doctors at Washington Health say a simple step can make a big difference: getting a flu shot.
“The goal of vaccines is not just to prevent the illness, but also to limit the severity of flu symptoms, complications and the risk of hospitalization from the illness,” explained Washington Health primary care physician Hanisha Geedipally, MD.
In other words, the flu shot can reduce your chances of getting the flu, and if you do get sick, it can also reduce your risk of severe illness. That can mean fewer trips to the emergency room or urgent care, and an easier recovery.
Protecting the People You Love
Flu vaccination isn’t just about protecting yourself. It’s also about protecting the community. “Getting yourself vaccinated protects those around you, too,” said Dr. Geedipally. “You might be very healthy and not get as sick, but those around you who are more vulnerable may be more at risk for hospitalization.”
That’s especially important in multigenerational households, where grandparents may share a home with busy working parents and school-age children. One child who brings home the flu can unknowingly pass it to an older family member or someone whose body may have a harder time fighting infections.
In addition, some people cannot receive certain flu vaccines because of specific medical circumstances. When more people are vaccinated, there are fewer opportunities for influenza to spread, helping protect people who are particularly vulnerable.
Who Should Get a Flu Shot?
The answer is simple: almost everyone should get a flu shot.
“As a general population, the flu vaccine is recommended for everybody over the age of 6 months, unless there are contraindications like allergies,” Dr. Geedipally advised.
The flu can be especially serious for children under the age of 5, adults over 65, pregnant women, and people with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, asthma or conditions that weaken the immune system.
For these patients, the flu can turn into serious breathing trouble and may lead to hospitalization. Getting sick with the flu around the time of a planned surgery can also complicate medical care and recovery. Receiving vaccination ahead of flu season helps lower these risks and can help keep important medical plans on track.
Convenient Protection at Washington Health
Preventive care is a core part of Washington Health’s mission, and flu shots are an important part of that effort.“A big focus of our primary care is preventive health,” Dr. Geedipally explained. “Immunizations, along with screenings, are part of looking out for the community and protecting the health of our community members.”To make getting the flu shot easier, Washington Health will host drive-through flu vaccination clinics at Washington Hospital from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sept. 26 and Oct. 24. Vaccines are also available at Washington Health primary care clinics, so patients can receive the flu shot during a regular appointment.
Dr. Geedipally explained that means no extra trip to a pharmacy and no need to schedule a separate visit just for the flu shot. “Patients can work the vaccine into the care they’re already receiving at our clinic,” she said. “The convenience is why we stock vaccines in our clinics. It makes it easier for them, motivates them to just get it done while they’re already here, and works to protect them, their families and the community.”
More Than a Shot: Everyday Flu Prevention
The flu shot is an important first step, but Washington Health doctors also remind patients about everyday habits that can help keep influenza from spreading:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water.
- Wear a mask if you’re coughing, sneezing or feeling sick, especially around people at higher risk.
- Stay home if you’re sick to avoid spreading the virus to co-workers, classmates or family members.
In a multicultural community like ours, mask wearing is already a familiar and considerate practice for many. Combining that with vaccination, good handwashing and staying home when sick gives families more ways to reduce the spread of influenza.
As flu season approaches, now is a good time to talk with your Washington Health doctor about getting a flu shot for yourself and your family. A single shot this fall can help reduce the risk of serious illness and hospitalization — and help keep the people you love healthy and at home where they belong.
To learn more about flu vaccination at Washington Health, including where to get vaccinated, visit washingtonhealth.com/flushot.