Seriously, Just Get The Flu Shot

Did you get your flu shot yet?

Our family was a bit delayed in getting our shots this year and sure enough – yep, one of the girls got it!

Watching my very healthy 12-year-old struggle with a high fever and crazy coughing was tough.  I can’t imagine the toll it would take on someone who isn’t as healthy.

The rest of us rushed out and got our flu shots.  So far, (do you hear me knocking on wood?) none of the rest of us have fallen ill.

I know – no one likes a shot. Yet, a little poke in the arm is a small price to pay to avoid a potentially fatal infection.

Many people are confused about the flu and the importance of getting a flu shot. The flu, or influenza, isn’t what most people think — a stomach bug. The flu is a very serious, and at times life-threatening, contagious infection affecting the lungs and causing fever.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), flu shots are most effective when administered in October or November, but getting one in December, January or even later can still help. The flu is passed through the air, by coughing and sneezing, and flu season can start as early as October and last as late as May.

People with heart disease are more likely to develop serious complications such as pneumonia and dehydration than patients with any other chronic disease. In addition, the flu can cause heart conditions, particularly congestive heart failure, to become worse.

Hundreds of deaths and thousands of hospitalizations could be prevented each year with a simple shot.

Even if you are in excellent health now, can you really afford time away from your work and home duties if you get the flu?

Get your flu shot today!  It’s not too late!

Eliz Greene works busy women to improve heart health, so they can live longer, feel better, and stress less.

She is a heart attack survivor and the author of the Busy Woman’s Guide to a Healthy Heart as well as 3 other books on wellness. She writes one of the top 50 health and wellness blogs and is a sought-after wellness & stress management speaker. Eliz was recently named one of the Top Ten Online Influencers on Stress.

If you are planning a women’s wellness program, workplace wellness program or programs for healthcare professionals check out EmbraceYourHeart.com to see if Eliz would be a good fit with your organization.