Influenza or the flu is a serious disease. It’s not “just the flu”. At the best of times, the flu is a nasty illness– and at the worst of times, it comes with the potential for life-threatening complications like pneumonia.
Young or old, healthy or health-compromised, the best way to guard yourself against influenza is to get vaccinated. But this isn’t a one-and-done deal. The influenza virus is cunning and mutates constantly, potentially dodging last year’s vaccine. That’s why anyone over six months old should get an up-to-date flu shot each year. But when?
Though your immune response to the vaccine declines over time, there’s no reason to delay getting vaccinated for the 2023/24 flu season. Experts agree that the best time to get your flu shot is right now, since it can take up to several weeks to develop immunity. The protection you receive today will reduce your risk of catching the flu all season long.
We think it’s worth a shot.
Immunization means protection for everyone.
Choosing immunization doesn’t just protect you: it also reduces your risk of spreading vaccine-preventable infections to people around you! To learn more about vaccines that protect lung health, visit: lunghealth.ca/immunization
Questions about your breathing?
The Certified Respiratory Educators who staff our Lung Health Line can be reached by phone (1-888-344-LUNG), email (info@lunghealth.ca).