Roll up your sleeve; It’s time for your flu shot

Libby Richards, associate professor of nursing at Purdue University. Download image

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The arrival of fall means flu season is just around the corner, and now is the best time to get an annual vaccination to safeguard yourself and those around you.

“Getting the flu shot protects you and your family from getting sick. It also protects your community by reducing the chance the virus can spread,” said Libby Richards, an associate professor of nursing who specializes in public health at Purdue University’s School of Nursing. “While one person may only be mildly impacted if they get the flu, they could spread the flu to others who could be severely impacted. Because we can’t predict how people will react if they get sick, getting the flu shot is the best prevention strategy.”

Although U.S. flu activity is currently low, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it doesn't lessen the importance of being vaccinated.

The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older should get a flu shot except for those with allergies to eggs or other vaccine ingredients or those with a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome. Richards said that high-risk populations such as pregnant women, young children, older adults and people with chronic health conditions should strongly consider getting a flu shot.

It is best to get the vaccination by the end of October since it takes about two weeks after the shot for protective antibodies to develop. If someone can’t get a shot by then, it is still advisable to get one through the fall as flu season traditionally peaks from December through February and can run as late as May.

Richards has simple advice for people who do get the flu: Stay home.

“If you feel under the weather or develop flu-like symptoms, do everyone a favor and stay home and avoid contact with others. Give yourself some time to rest and recover,” Richards said. “If you are in the high-risk population and have flu-related complications, you should contact your health care provider. 

Writer: Matthew Oates, 765-496-2571, oatesw@purdue.edu, @mo_oates

Source: Libby Richards, 765-494-1392, erichards@purdue.edu, @LibbyAnnR1