The Superior Express -

Winter is coming, but there’s still time to get vaccinated against flu! All South Heartland residents 6 months and older are encouraged to get annual an flu vaccine.

Since COVID-19 and flu could spread simultaneously this winter, there is still time to get a flu vaccine to protect against flu illness and serious flu complications, such as pneumonia.

Flu shots are especially important for people with underlying medical conditions. If living with these medical conditions, you are at higher risk of developing serious complications from flu, like pneumonia, bronchitis, and other illnesses that can lead to hospitalization or even death.

In addition, for the people who support essential businesses, a flu shot is essential protection. Whether you’re a health care worker, child care provider, grocery store worker, farmer, teacher, delivery person, or one who serves in any of the essential industries – you have been on the front lines to keep our society functioning. However, you also may be at higher risk of exposure to flu or other respiratory infections from frequent interactions with the public.

Every year, flu is responsible for millions of illnesses, tens of thousands of hospitalizations, and thousands of deaths. Last flu season, 9 out of 10 adults hospitalized with flu had at least one reported underlying medical condition. The most commonly reported underlying medical conditions in patients hospitalized for flu include heart disease, diabetes, obesity and chronic lung disease.

A flu shot reduces the risk of getting sick with flu, but even if getting a flu shot does not completely prevent flu infection, studies show that it can help reduce the severity of illness and prevent complications that can result in hospitalization and death.

In 2019-2020, flu vaccination prevented an estimated 7.52 million illnesses, 3.69 million medical visits, 105,000 hospitalizations and 6,300 deaths because of influenza.

Getting vaccinated against flu is always extra important for people with certain chronic conditions, but as the U.S. battles the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s more important than ever. Flu and COVID-19 together could overwhelm our medical systems. A flu shot this season can help protect you from flu and reduce your risk of needing medical care for flu-related complications.