Every year, between November and March, your risk of a flu infection increases dramatically. Unfortunately, even in healthy adults, this can lead to serious symptoms including a high fever, long-lasting cough, body pains, headache, and extreme fatigue. 

That’s why health experts at the CDC and FDA collaborate annually with drug manufacturers to develop updated influenza vaccinations. These vaccines are designed to combat currently circulating strains and lower the risk of infection. Last year, over 147 million influenza vaccine doses were administered across the United States.

Here’s why you should take the flu seriously, and how to best protect yourself. 

By the Numbers

According to the CDC, between nine and 41 million Americans contract the flu every year. Of those, between 120,000 and 710,000 will be hospitalized. This can create a serious strain on our hospital system, leading to overworked staff and longer wait times.

On average, adults 65 and older account for between 50-70% of hospitalizations. However, that still means tens of thousands of middle-aged adults, young adults, and children will require emergency treatment. 

Unfortunately, even with hospitalization, the flu can be fatal. In 2024, around 28,000 Americans died of complications caused by flu infections. 

Why Get Vaccinated?

The flu can be serious, leading to hospitalization and even death. It affects millions of people every year, and the symptoms can range widely from a few days of feeling poorly and missing work to serious illness.

The flu can also lead to complications such as:

• Bacterial pneumonia
• Ear infections
• Sinus infections

It can also make chronic conditions like asthma, congestive heart failure, and diabetes, worse. Getting an annual flu vaccine is the best way to prevent this.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), September and October are good times to get vaccinated against the flu. But there are some considerations about who should get the vaccine and when:

• Adults 65 and older should get vaccinated as early as possible. Check with your provider to see when the vaccine becomes available.
• Children can get vaccinated as soon as it becomes available. Some children need two doses which is determined by your pediatrician or provider.
• People that are pregnant should be vaccinated by their third trimester of pregnancy to protect their infants.

Protecting Your Community

Even if you’re unworried about your own health during flu season, there’s another big reason to get vaccinated. The flu is highly contagious, and people with a higher risk of serious illness, including young children, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals are vulnerable.

Most experts believe flu viruses spread by tiny droplets that are created when people infected with the flu cough, sneeze, or talk. The droplets can land in the mouths or noses of nearby people. So, should you get infected with the flu, you are taking it home to everyone who lives with you, who works with you, and who may share space near you, putting people at risk. 

It is still possible to get sick from the flu despite getting your shot. However, the severity of the sickness can be lessened from being vaccinated.

Other Precautions

In addition to vaccination, health experts highly recommend: 

• Washing your hands regularly
• Using hand sanitizer after touching public surfaces
• Avoiding prolonged exposure to family or friends who are sick

By getting vaccinated and taking simple precautions, you’ll increase your chances of staying healthy and energized all winter long.

Free Flu Vaccines at AltaMed

AltaMed is here to help you grow healthy. We offer free flu vaccinations to individuals of all ages, with convenient locations close to home. Ready to get started? Call us at (888) 499-9303 to learn more and schedule an appointment.