It is that time of season again! While we fret over getting gifts for our children or doing more cleaning than we have done all year because the in-laws are coming, we are forgetting one important thing this holiday: our health. I am sure you have seen the advertisements Pharmacies and Drug Stores put out about getting the flu vaccine, but how important is it?
The CDC says that, 'Influenza is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death.' Even I have to admit, I did not think that the Flu was serious enough to cause death, but in reality it does. In fact, over a period of 31 seasons between 1976 and 2007, estimates of flu-associated deaths in the United States range from a low of about 3,000 to a high of about 49,000 people. That is not a small number. It is especially important that our Seniors get the vaccination because during a regular flu season about 90 percent of deaths occur in people 65 years and older.
The CDC has named this week (December 2-8th) as National Influenza Vaccination Week. It is a national observance that was established to highlight the importance of continuing influenza vaccination, as well as fostering greater use of flu vaccine after the holiday season into January and beyond.
As we prepare for this holiday season, may we give the most important gift of all, the gift of good health.
The US Department of Veteran Affairs has some helpful tips and links for our seniors.
Click here for more information