As the first leaves of autumn begin to hit the ground and the kids start back to school, it’s time to start thinking about protecting you, your family and others around you from a flu infection. The flu can be a dangerous and even deadly, so it’s important to make sure you and your loved ones are protected during this year’s flu season with a flu vaccination.
Everyone is at risk of exposure to the flu, but certain groups are more likely to get it and flu-related complications that could lead to severe consequences. Pregnant women, young children and adults over the age of 65 are particularly at risk. It is estimated that between 70 to 90 percent of flu-related deaths occurred in people 65 years and older and between 50 to 70 percent of flu-related hospitalizations have occurred among people over the age of 65. The flu can also worsen chronic health conditions like heart disease; studies show that there is an increased risk of heart attack and stroke following a flu infection.
Young children are also at an increased risk of flu-related infection and those with complex medical conditions like congenital heart disease need to be extra vigilant. All children over the age of six months should be vaccinated against the flu each year. Vaccinating their family and caregivers also protects them from getting sick.
Read more below about how to keep yourself and your loved ones safe and healthy during this flu season.
Flu Decision Making
Flu Decision-Making Guide- Spanish
Additional Resources