Planning is key to preventing flu this year

Vaccination takes two weeks to provide helpful antibodies

Cough. Sore throat. Runny nose. Stuffy nose. Fever. Headache. Fatigue. Sounds like a terrible time, doesn’t it? Collectively, those are the symptoms for the flu, which can really ruin a person’s week.

Most people will recover anywhere from a few days to less than two weeks, but some people can develop complications such as pneumonia, which can be life-threatening, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes.

Other complications can include bronchitis, and sinus and ear infections.

And here’s the biggest challenge of the flu: Anyone can get it. Absolutely anyone. Some people are more at risk than others, such as those with chronic medical conditions, those over 65, pregnant women and young children.

But readers, you can protect yourself from the flu, simply by getting a vaccination. The 2017-18 seasonal influenza vaccine is now available at the Yuma County Health District, and is available to anyone over the age of 6 months. The cost is $25 for adults, and $10 for those 18 and younger. The health district also accepts Medicare Part B, AHCCCS and private insurance.

This year, there are two options for vaccines: the trivalent shot will offer protection against three strains of the flu, while the quadrivalent vaccine offers protection against four strains of the flu.

Flu vaccines cause antibodies to develop, which offer protection against the flu, but it takes about two weeks for those antibodies to develop. So it’s critical that people get vaccinated before flu season is in full effect — and that makes September an ideal time to get that vaccination.

The health district isn’t the only place in town offering vaccinations.

Several pharmacies around town also offer the vaccine, as do many doctors’ offices. To find a location near you, visit https://vaccinefinder.org/ — simply enter your address, and the website will provide a list of vaccination providers near you. A search on Wednesday morning found at least 10 locations offering a variety of vaccinations, including the flu shot.

This winter, don’t get sidelined by the flu. Get your vaccination, and stay healthy.

DO YOU AGREE WITH THIS OR NOT?