The flu virus changes from year to year. Last year's vaccine won't help you with the virus that causes problems this year. Each year, scientists make a new vaccine to work against the strains of influenza they think will be a problem in the coming year. Even in healthy adults, the flu can make you very sick, making you lose time from work, personal and family activities, and vacations. It can also lead to ear infection and hospitalization among young children.
Children often bring the virus into the school or home.
By protecting yourself and your children from the flu, you are also protecting your family and friends who, due to age or health problems, could be at a greater risk from the flu. Despite what you may have heard, these are the facts. And now is the perfect time to act on these facts and get a flu shot. Not only does a flu shot greatly lower your chance of getting sick from the flu, but it also lessens your chances of passing the flu on to your family and friends. I urge you to contact your family doctor or local public health unit to make arrangements for getting a flu shot.