Nobody is excited to go to the doctor's office and realize that they're due for a shot.
We didn't like 'em when we were little kids, and we're still not keen on the idea of getting a needle in the arm now that we're grownups. The difference, though, is that we have the advantage of understanding exactly why we need that shot.
Sometimes it's to prevent tetanus or shingles, while sometimes it's a heavy duty antibiotic. Once in a while, though, it's just your run-of-the-mill flu shot.
Still, despite being old enough to know we need our shots, lots of us are guilty of trying to avoid the annual flu vaccine.
In fact, the CDC says that nearly three in five adults skip the flu shot, which is just not a statistic to be proud of. To be perfectly honest, we understand: things get busy, and a flu shot is suddenly the least of our worries.
But this year, we have a lot of good reasons to make it a priority. Help keep everyone around us healthy!
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Reason #1: The Flu Is Miserable
It may sound a little selfish, but the number one reason to get the shot is simple: it keeps you from getting the flu.
Because boy, is the flu unpleasant. You'll sweat, you'll shake, and you'll feel aches and pains in muscles you didn't even know you had.
If you've been lucky enough to avoid a bad case of the flu so far, just imagine your worst head cold ever cranked up to 11 and served with a side of raging fever and upset stomach.
Reason #2: It Protects The People Around You
Get the flu shot for the people around you, because it might save their lives.
Around 36,000 people die from the flu every year in the U.S., and it's an extremely contagious disease.
The flu isn't so bad for the average healthy adult, who will usually recover without complications.
But for a young child, an elderly person, a pregnant woman, or someone with a weakened immune system (like a cancer patient), the flu can be deadly.
Reason #3: It’s Super Easy
Health organizations make it so, so easy to get the flu shot, because it's both dangerous and so contagious.
If you go in for an annual check-up with your doctor, you will almost certainly be offered a flu shot, and can get it right then and there.
Even better, walk-in clinics and major pharmacies also offer the flu shot, no appointment required.
Walk in to pick up toothpaste and deodorant, walk out with some serious flu protection!
Reason #4: The Price Is Right
Flu shots are designed to be very affordable and accessible.
If you have insurance, your flu shot will almost always be free, or at least steeply discounted.
If you don't have insurance, flu shots cost between $15 and $40 at the pharmacy.
However, even without insurance, you should be able to get a free or cheap flu shot through a local organization.
Free health clinics, churches, Planned Parenthood, and schools are all good places to ask about a flu vaccine.
Reason #5: You Might Help Someone Else Get A Shot
If you buy a flu shot at the pharmacy (or pay for one with your insurance), you are probably helping to get care to someone who needs it.
Lots of major pharmacies, like Walgreens, donate a flu shot for those in need every time a flu shot is purchased.
That means that you might save a life just by getting the shot, because you'll also be buying one for a struggling mom without insurance, or a little one living in the shelter system.
Reason #6: There Are Different Annual Strains
If you got the flu shot last year and were totally fine, it might be tempting to skip it this year. Don't.
The flu virus changes and adapts every single year, and doctors never know exactly how it's going to look.
One year, the shot might be geared at an old strain of the European flu, and the next year, it might be a totally different version, like the swine flu.
Reason #7: It Can Take Two Weeks To Kick In
The sooner you're vaccinated, the better.
The flu season officially starts in October, but it can happily charge straight through winter and into spring.
That's why it's a good idea to get the flu shot at your earliest opportunity, because the vaccine takes two weeks to kick in, and the winter is just full of opportunistic germs trying to get you sick.
Reason #8: It Doesn’t Have To Hurt
Hate needles? No problem! Even those of us who faint just seeing a needle can get a flu vaccine now.
There's now a nasal spray version for anyone who really can't stand needles. It's not quite as effective, and the CDC doesn't recommend it for the current flu season, but it's a heck of a lot better than no vaccine at all!
Do you get your flu shot every year? Let us know in the comments!
And don't forget to SHARE with everyone you love!
