The leaves are changing color, the air has taken on a crisp chillness, the Halloween decorations are out, and there’s just 68 shopping days left before Chanukah. You know what that means: it’s time to get the flu shot!
Along with all the good stuff that fall brings, there’s also a major downside, in that influenza viruses begin spreading in earnest. Cases of the flu usually start peaking in December, and continue infecting people through the winter, so the Federal Drug Administration is recommending people ages 6 months and older begin getting inoculated before the end of October. However, if you’re spending the rest of the month working on your perfect Chappell Roan costume, or simply hunkering down in fear before November’s presidential election, it’s not too late. In a statement, the FDA said that even if received after October, the vaccine can still provide protection.
Along with the FDA, the CDC is also pushing people to get the latest version of the flu shot, as well as updated COVID-19 boosters, noting it’s safe to receive the two at the same time.
But wait, you’re saying. I heard some of the internet’s stupidest grifters saying the vax is dangerous! Indeed, even a broken clock is right twice a day. The flu shot can occasionally cause side effects, such as feeling achy or feverish, which, according to the Mayo Clinic, is a result of your body producing flu antibodies, and not being infected with the virus itself. It shouldn’t have to be said, but here it is: The flu vaccine does not cause autism.
While some of us get sick as a dog for about a day after getting the seasonal jab, you’re not actually getting the flu. While the distinction between the flu and flu-like symptoms may seem to be playing semantics, it’s actually important. While the symptoms can be unpleasant, the actual virus can be deadly. According to the FDA, there were between 25,000 and 72,000 flu-related deaths in the U.S. during the 2023-24 season, as well as up to 830,000 hospitalizations, and 30 million flu-related medical visits. The year before, which was considered a moderate year for flu severity, the vaccine is estimated to have prevented 3,700 deaths, 65,000 hospitalizations, and six million illnesses.
The FDA strongly encourages children, pregnant individuals, and people over 65—those most at risk of serious complications—to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Even people who have had the flu recently should get vaccinated, as there are multiple strains of the virus circulating. Anyone looking to find out where they can go to get their dose can visit the vaccine.gov website. For those who like getting their meds delivered, they may be able to receive the first at-home flu vaccine, which the FDA approved in September, through an online pharmacy.
Because the vaccine only targets a few strains of the virus, it’s not perfect. The vaccine released for the 2021 flu season, for instance, was found to be only around 14% effective (a universal flu vaccine is in the works, but is not yet ready for mass use). So while getting the shot is a good start, if you want to avoid spending days schvitzing on your couch, moaning from full-body aches, producing buckets of mucus, and having a small chance of dying, there are other steps you can take to stay healthy. The CDC recommends avoiding close contact with anyone who’s sick, washing your hands often with soap (or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer), avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, and using an air purifier indoors. Also, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, for goodness sake. Wearing a mask, although controversial these days for some reason, could also be a wise step.
Now go out there and enjoy the fall, everybody. Pumpkin spice season comes but once a year.
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