As flu season kicks into full gear, so will the never-ending debate
surrounding the pros and cons of getting a flu shot. With so many different
viewpoints out there, you may feel unsure about what to do. If you’re on
the fence about getting vaccinated, consider these four reasons for getting
the flu shot this year:
1. Flu shots are often free
There aren’t a lot of things you can get for free these days, but a free flu shot may be one of them. Flu shots are considered essential health benefits and are typically covered by your health plan.*
2. The flu affects you and everyone around you
The average person infected with the flu virus takes two days off from work and the symptoms of flu – coughing, congestion, fever, and fatigue – can last up to two weeks!¹
Get a flu shot to help ensure that you don’t turn into “that guy” (you know, the one who infects everyone else). If you do happen to get the flu, you can help avoid spreading it by:
• Washing your hands frequently
• Avoiding highly populated areas
• Avoiding contact with those who have weak immune systems (i.e. children,
elder adults, and those with chronic health conditions).
3. The flu can get complicated
The symptoms of the flu can take a toll on your body and at times can be fatal. That is why it is important to take precautions, such as getting your seasonal flu vaccine, to keep you and your loved ones healthy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), anywhere from 140,000 (in 2011-2012) to 710,000 (in 2014-2015) people are hospitalized each year for flu-related complications, including:
• Bacterial pneumonia
• Ear and sinus infections
• Dehydration
• Worsening of chronic health conditions
4. Getting the flu shot is cheaper than getting the flu
Check out the chart below and compare the costs associated with getting a flu shot versus getting the flu.
1 Palmer LA, Rousculp MD, Johnston SS, Mahadevia PJ, Nichol KL. Effect of influenza-like illness and other wintertime respiratory illnesses on worker productivity: the Child and Household Influenza-Illness and Employee Function (CHIEF) study. 2010;28(31):5049–5056
About Sheila Perlick
I am a copywriter at IBX as well as a spouse, parent, dog owner, and kind of meh cook. Just like a lot of people, I am always looking for ways to make my day-to-day life easier so I can spend more time with family, sneak in a little more exercise, and (hopefully) get more sleep.
This content was originally published on IBX Insights.