You may have forgotten the flu, but it doesn't mean it's forgotten you
By Sandy Baho
AS WE enter flu season, the time of year when the days get shorter and colder — even on our beautiful Peninsula — and indoor gatherings like shows at Sunset Center and the Forest Theater can finally take the stage, it’s important to protect yourself, your loved ones, and the community from the flu by getting vaccinated. Of course, we’re assuming you’ve already gotten your Covid jabs, but if you haven’t, you can get one right along with your flu shot.
Since nobody’s given it much thought since 2020, here’s a reminder: Influenza is a common virus. Every flu season is different, but millions of people get the disease every year, hundreds of thousands of them are hospitalized and thousands die, according to the CDC.
Due to low levels of flu worldwide — thanks to Covid isolation protocols — case numbers were low last year, but health experts are anticipating higher levels of infections this winter as things get back to normal.
Recommended and safe
Andrea Zoodsman, a registered nurse, public health nurse and the director of community services at the nonprofit VNA (Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice of the Central Coast), explained that flu season is always unpredictable. “We don’t know what will happen year to year,” she said, but it’s important to get vaccinated to protect yourself, your family, and the community — especially if you are in a high-risk group, such as those over 65, or who have chronic health conditions such as asthma, heart disease and diabetes.
Every year, experts study the flu vaccine and modify it to match the mutations of the virus that are active and spreading in the environment. According to the CDC, recent studies show that the flu vaccination reduces the risk of infection by 40 to 60 percent, which is why it is important that as many people get vaccinated as possible. The vaccine is recommended — and safe — for everyone over the age of 6 months. And no matter what anyone tells you, the vaccine can’t “give you the flu,” although you might experience mild side effects.
Here on the Peninsula, there are many options to get your inoculation, including the VNA.
Zoodsman said that the group is offering a driveup flu shot clinic in Ryan Ranch Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon, along with several other local community vaccination events. See ccvna.com to learn more.
Good timing
October is the best time to get the flu vaccine, Zoodsman said, since it takes two weeks to build immunity — which lasts about six months — and flu season peaks in January and February, just in time for the crowds at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. She was so convincing and made it so easy that I drove to Ryan Ranch right after our phone call so she could jab me. There’s no time like the present!
Maybe you’re thinking, “So what? I’ve never had the flu,” or perhaps you’re feeling bulletproof after surviving Covid. Still, you might want to keep Zoodsman’s advice in mind. “Even though you’ve never had the flu, that doesn’t mean you can’t get it. Many people have never been in a head-on collision, but still wear a seatbelt.” It’s about prevention.
There are multiple options for flu vaccines so check with your healthcare provider before choosing yours. Most flu vaccines are egg-based, but if you have an egg allergy, there are alternatives. Also, there is a high-dose vaccine for those with weakened immunity and people 65 and older, which provides 40 percent more of the antigen.
Healthy individuals aged 2 to 49 can get the vaccine in mist form, which some say has a higher efficacy rate since it’s administered where the flu replicates, in the nasal and respiratory cavity.
The CDC has an up-to-date map of the spread of the flu on its website in case you are going to be traveling or are just curious. Visit cdc.gov/flu/weekly/ index.htm.
In addition to its many other services, the VNA offers a travel and immunization clinic for people who need shots before visiting far-flung destinations as they throw off the shackles of the shutdown.
It’s also important to take the regular health measures to prevent the flu and keep your immune system strong. This flu season — and always — eat right, exercise, get enough sleep, keep your stress levels down, wash your hands often (especially after sneezing, coughing and using the bathroom) and stay home if you’re not feeling well.
