Category: Flu Vaccine

As the days grow shorter and the leaves start to fall, winters arrival looms across Hampton Roads. And with the holidays fast approaching, that will mean more travel and time indoors with family and friends.

To protect yourself and others, nows the time to get an updated COVID booster and to vaccinate against the flu. Two easy shots are an investment in your health and should provide needed peace of mind when sharing time with loved ones in the coming months.

The nation has learned a few things about COVID in the nearly four years since the virus first reached these shores. Medical professionals are better at treating the illness and the availability of effective antiviral medication means fewer people face hospitalization or death as a result of infection.

While that doesnt obscure or erase the awful early days of the pandemic or the subsequent waves that collectively killed more than 23,000 Virginians, it does mean the commonwealth is better prepared than ever should a new strain prove to be more infectious or deadly than those now circulating.

It also turns out that many of the habits acquired during the pandemic are equally effective at preventing the spread of other airborne illnesses, such as influenza. Among these are frequent hand-washing and good, preferably filtered, airflow in indoor spaces.

But the most important weapons against COVID are the vaccines. Developed in record time through the Trump administrations Operation Warp Speed, the COVID shots are safe and effective at preventing the development of life-threatening symptoms as a result of infection.

They represent an extraordinary breakthrough for science and for the nation, in that it allowed the easing of pandemic-era restrictions and for most people to return to work, school and their lives without fear.

Virginians embraced the vaccines when they were made available, and the commonwealth boasts a vaccination rate of 76.8% according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The commonwealth ranks 14th among states and the District of Columbia for residents aged 18 and older who completed their primary two-shot dose.

However, Virginias vaccination rate has waned dramatically since the initial shots were made available. The state Department of Health reports that only 18% of adults are vaccinated with the latest COVID booster, which was designed to protect against the most dominant coronavirus variant.

Thats little surprise. There are fewer messages encouraging others to get the shots and less effort paid in our communities to address harmful misinformation about the COVID vaccine and vaccinations in general.

As of September, those boosters are recommended for everyone 6 months and older. They are available in most locations, following some intermittent shortages after they were released, though its important to check if your health insurance covers them. The expiration of the public health emergency means that, unlike previous vaccines and boosters, they may not be free.

Since it takes two weeks before the vaccine is fully effective, getting that booster now will make sure that Thanksgiving can be celebrated safely with family, friends and neighbors especially for seniors, the immunocompromised and those who have vaccine allergies.

Likewise, public health officials recommend that everyone get a flu shot before the end of October. But missing that target isnt disastrous. A flu vaccine will help protect against the respiratory disease for months, ensuring protection against the most common influenza strain through peak-flu season.

Thankfully, this years flu season has begun slowly unlike last year when late October through the end of November saw case numbers spike. So theres still a good chance that a flu shot today will pay off in the months to come.

We all should want to do our part to protect ourselves and our families during the holiday, but COVID continues to circulate and the flu will again take its toll on the public. The best defense remains vaccination, both for the coronavirus and for influenza.

Dont hesitate. Get your shots today.

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Editorial: Get your COVID and flu vaccines to prepare for the holidays - The Virginian-Pilot

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by Deb Balzer, Mayo Clinic News Network

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Young children and older adults are particularly susceptible to severe flu-related illness. That's why Dr. Angela Mattke, a pediatrician with Mayo Clinic's Children's Center, says it's important that kids and adults get their seasonal flu vaccine. She says you should get vaccinated well before the holidays because it takes two weeks for the flu vaccine to become fully effective.

Health experts say you should get your flu shot as soon as it's available in your area. This will give your body time to create defenses against the flu.

"It takes two weeks to get protection against influenza. So, if you're exposed to influenza in that meantime, you may get an infection," says Dr. Mattke.

And you also may spread a virus. Dr. Mattke says the vaccine doesn't completely prevent illness.

"What it does is offer you protection against really serious complications: needing to go to the emergency department, needing to be admitted, going to the ICU or, in some serious situations, death," she says.

Some children six months to age eight may need two flu shots. It's important to work with your health care team.

"But if it's your infant's first year of being eligible for the influenza vaccine, I would anticipate that they get two vaccines separated by four weeks," Dr. Mattke says.

If your child is scared of vaccinations, there is an alternative to the shot for some kids. The flu mist is approved for people ages two to 49.

The flu vaccine, she says, can save lives.

"In children specifically, the influenza vaccine has been shown to reduce the risk of death by over 75%. And so, for my children, I want to do everything I can to try and give them as much protection as possible against influenza," Dr. Mattke says.

In addition to getting vaccinated, it's important to keep your hands clean and avoid contact with sick people to stay healthy and prevent the spread of illnesses. Help children learn the when and how of hand-washing. Encourage them to wash their hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds before meals, after visiting the restroom, and following sneezing or coughing.

2023 Mayo Clinic News Network. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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What a Mayo Clinic pediatrician says about the flu vaccine and kids - Medical Xpress

CONNECTICUT, USA The Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH) announced the season's first flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-related deaths Thursday morning.

According to CT DPH, the flu-related death happened to a resident of Middlesex County who was in their 80s, and the RSV death happened to a resident of New Haven County, also in their 80s.

In October, there were 67 COVID-19-related deaths in the state. CT DPH said that historically in the state, most deaths from COVID-19 happen among people over the age of 55.

The department is reminding residents across the state that now is the time to get vaccines to help prevent falling seriously ill with any of the viruses, especially with the upcoming holiday season.

Even if you have had COVID before and have been previouslyvaccinated, our immunity dwindles over time," said CT DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD. "Getting vaccinated this fall will help you protect yourself and other members of your family as we enter the holiday season. In addition, preventing illnesses, even if they might have been mild infections, will help keep our children in school and adults at work. A healthier society at large will help all of us live our best lives.

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CT DPH said that the current vaccine guidance to prevent these illnesses is:

Connecticut Immunization Coalition and CT DPH are partnering with local health departments throughout the state on numerous vaccine clinics for children and adults. The entire schedule of local health clinics can be accessed here.

Jennifer Glatz is a digital content producer at FOX61 News. She can be reached atjglatz@fox61.com.

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First flu and RSV related deaths reported by state health officials - FOX61 Hartford

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) Drive-thru, to fight the flu.

Oh, the process was fast, easy, I didnt have to get out of my car, said Lynette Elliott.

The Portsmouth resident only stepped out of her vehicle to share with us why she gets a flu vaccine every year.

I think its very very important that everybody get the flu shot to be protected and to protect everyone around you, she said.

Riverside Health System held the last of a dozen drive-thru flu shot clinics in Newport News on Wednesday.

Health officials recommend the shot for almost everyone over 6 months of age.

Flu activity typically peaks between December and February, but is circulating already. Most of Virginia including the Eastern region is currently experiencing a low level of flu activity with just 3% of emergency department and urgent care visits last week being for flu.

If you get the flu then youre going to feel bad for several days, but if you get the flu vaccine the you just have maybe 15 -30 minutes where your arm aches a little bit, said Riversides vaccine coordinator, Evie Sutton.

Most healthy people get over the flu, but those with underlying health issues are at greater risk for serious flu complications which could lead to hospitalization or even death.

Preliminary data from the CDC suggests this years shot is a good match for the strains circulating.

Riverside, Sentara and Bon Secours all offered drive-thru shots clinics this fall, but its not too late to roll up your sleeve.

If you need to know where to go, click on the flu shot locator.

See the article here:

Riverside holds drive-thru flu vaccination clinic - WAVY.com

November 8, 2023

Media Contact:

Chase Cook, Acting Director, Office of Communications, 410-767-8649

Maryland Department of Health expands statewide public awareness campaign urging Marylanders to vaccinate against COVID-19, flu and RSV

Baltimore, MD The Maryland Department of Health expanded its statewide public awareness campaign highlighting the importance of preventing respiratory illness by getting the updated COVID-19 vaccine, annual flu shot and the new RSV vaccine for older adults and pregnant women.

The Vaccinate. Prevent. Protect. campaign informs Marylanders about the new vaccines available and why vaccination and prevention are the best ways to protect families against the triple viral threat of COVID-19, seasonal flu and RSV throughout fall and winter.

The campaign features statewide radio promotion in English and Spanish, and digital messaging, including content on the Departments X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram accounts.

The updated COVID-19 vaccines are now widely available, as are this years annual flu vaccine. We urge all Marylanders to get these two vaccines as soon as possible to be protected for the upcoming months, said Maryland Department of Health Secretary Laura Herrera Scott. We are also excited that this year, for the first time, there are RSV vaccines and antibody treatments available for older adults, pregnant women, and newborns to protect our most vulnerable Marylanders against severe RSV infections.

The COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna were approved on Sept. 12, by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention after prior approval by the Food and Drug Administration to protect against COVID-19 omicron variants:

Marylanders 6 months and older can get the shot if its been at least two months since their last COVID-19 vaccine.

Marylanders 5 and older can get the updated COVID-19 vaccine even if they have not gotten vaccinated for COVID-19 previously.

Annual flu vaccines are also now widely available at pharmacies and local health department clinics and from health care providers. It is safe and convenient to get both the COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same time, according to the CDC.

For Marylanders 60 and older, there is a new RSV vaccine that decreases the risk of severe illness from this respiratory virus. There is also now protection for babies in the form of a new vaccine for pregnant women in their third trimester, as well as a monoclonal antibody treatment for newborns and at-risk infants.

We are in the season when cases of respiratory viruses, especially COVID, are beginning to rise as viruses spread, said Deputy Secretary for Public Health Services Dr. Nilesh Kalyanaraman. We urge people to take steps to prevent transmission of illness and continue to use the measures we have learned to protect against COVID, flu, and RSV, especially vaccination.

For more information about how to protect against COVID-19, flu, and RSV, visit health.maryland.gov/pha. Marylanders can also visit vaccines.gov for a listing of COVID-19 and flu shot sites near them.

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Pages - MDH expands statewide public awareness campaign ... - Maryland Department of Health

People living in the Pendle area who are eligible for a Covid-19 or flu vaccine can make use of a mobile vaccine service provided by the local NHS.

Watch more of our videos on Shots! and live on Freeview channel 276

The mobile winter vaccine bus will be at TK Maxx in Colne six times throughout the month to support the autumn and winter vaccines campaign.

Anyone who is eligible for a vaccine will be able to simply turn up and receive both of their jabs to ensure maximum protection against both COVID-19 and flu as we head into the cold winter months.

Jane Scattergood QN, senior responsible officer for the vaccination programme in Lancashire and South Cumbria, said: Anyone who is eligible for a vaccine is welcome to go along to the bus. This includes carers, pregnant women and health and social care staff. Some of these people will not be identified by the national invitation system and should just go ahead and get their vaccine, dont wait to be called. We will not require any evidence of your eligibility.

Coun. Asjad Mahmood, the leader of Pendle Borough Council, said: This is a great opportunity for eligible people to drop in and take up a flu or COVID-19 vaccine while the bus is in Pendle.

Come along and make sure you have maximum protection as we head into the cold winter months.

The vaccine bus will be outside the TK Maxx store in North Valley Road from 10am to 4pm on the following dates:

Today (Thursday November 9th)

Those who can receive their vaccine at the bus are:

All adults that are aged 65 years and over

People aged from 18 to 64 years old in a clinical risk group

Frontline health and social care workers

People aged 18 to 64 years old who are household contacts of people with a suppressed immune system

People aged 18 to 64 years old who are carers and staff working in care homes for older adults

For more details about the bus, please visit LSC Integrated Care Board :: Mobile winter vaccines bus (icb.nhs.uk)

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Mobile winter Covid-19 and flu vaccines bus comes to Pendle - Burnley Express

Calendar Date: Thursday, November 16, 2023 - 12:00pm to 2:00pm

Starting Thursday, November 16th,Deschutes County Health Services will be hosting weekly appointment only flu and COVID-19 vaccine clinics at the Deschutes County Public Health Building. Open to ages 6 months and older*.

When: Thursday, November16,12p.m. to 2p.m. Location: 2577 NE Courtney DR Bend OR Vaccine Type: Flu and COVID-19

Eligibility:

*6 month to 14 year olds must be accompanied by a parent or guardian

Please call the front desk(541) 312-2233 to schedule your appointment.

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APPOINTMENT ONLY flu and COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic for ages 6 ... - Deschutes County

Manitobas top doctor is urging caregivers to take their kids for a flu shot as soon as possible as vaccine uptake among children hovers below four per cent.

Chief provincial public health officer Dr. Brent Roussin said Wednesday the province wants to avoid a repeat of last year, when respiratory viruses pushed Winnipegs Childrens Hospital to its limit.

We know with influenza every year those under five theres a fair amount of severe outcomes and illness in that age group. And we see that in the southern hemisphere again this year, Roussin said in an interview. So we really want to get those youngsters vaccinated, with especially the influenza shot.

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Dr. Brent Roussin, chief provincial public health officer, is urging caregivers to take their kids for a flu shot as soon as possible as vaccine uptake among children hovers below four per cent.

As of Oct. 28 the most recent provincial data 3.3 per cent of children age four and under had received their flu shot. Three per cent of youth 17 and under had their shot. A year ago, as of Nov. 12, uptake in both of those age groups was about six per cent.

While its still relatively early in the flu season, Roussin described uptake in that age group as fairly low.

Compared to last year, the respiratory virus season has started later, giving the public more time to get immunized before viruses begin circulating at high levels, the provinces top doctor noted.

Last fall, a surge in respiratory syncytial virus and influenza cases among kids forced the Childrens Hospital to postpone elective surgeries and redeploy nurses to the pediatric critical-care unit, which exceeded its baseline beds.

By mid-December, the hospital reported double the pre-pandemic rate of children needing intensive care owing to the influx in cases.

We had a very early, and a very sharp peak, of influenza and RSV, and thats where we saw the over-census pediatric ICU beds and overwhelmed childrens ER, Roussin said. We really want to ensure that were not forgetting that thats a high risk group for influenza.

Roussin noted last year the spread of influenza and subsequent hospitalizations were similar to what was observed during flu season in the southern hemisphere.

This year, flu season south of the equator was much more typical but still led to children being admitted to hospital, he said.

Flu-shot uptake last season was also fairly high, with about 20 per cent coverage in the zero-to-four age group, Roussin said. Public health would like to see similar if not higher numbers this year.

Among older Manitobans, vaccine uptake has been strong, with nearly 26 per cent coverage among those 65-plus, with many opting for the available high-dose vaccine. Roussin said public health would like to see that number top 60 per cent this year.

Compared to last year, about 22,000 fewer flu shots have been administered to date.

Last years respiratory virus season was much earlier than this years and that drives uptake, the doctor explained.

He encouraged Manitobans not to wait to get their seasonal flu shots and COVID-19 boosters.

This is the time to get those shots, not once we see high numbers circulating, he said. We really want to take the opportunity that this year is giving us a bit more time to get those numbers up.

To date, data shows fewer people are getting their COVID-19 booster shot compared to those who are getting the flu shot, Roussin said.

We know theres some people who might be holding out because theyve had their shot within the last six months or they may have recently recovered from COVID, the top doctor said. So its difficult to calculate whos really eligible.

Public health wants to see COVID-19 booster uptake at comparable rates to the flu shot, especially among Manitobans who are over the age of 65, Roussin said.

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Unless a health-care provider has given specific advice about what brand of COVID-19 vaccine to take, Roussin said there is no longer a distinction between Moderna and Pfizer mRNA shots.

At this time, hospitals are not yet seeing increased pressures owing to respiratory viruses, but the health system is preparing for a very busy season, he said.

When we got into early fall, we saw increased COVID activity, but that has stayed relatively stable up until now, and we dont see a lot of influenza or RSV activity yet, he said.

Well expect to see that in the coming weeks, and like all respiratory virus seasons, were going to see that translate into increasing pressures in every aspect of the health-care system.

danielle.dasilva@freepress.mb.ca

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Kids should get flu shots to head off another hospital crisis, top ... - Winnipeg Free Press

The national governments decision to allow commercial vaccination against bird flu would help ensure the countrys food security, particularly for proteins, and deter the use of illegal vaccines, an industry expert said.

Jun Romo, president of the Philippine College of Poultry Practitioners, said the approval of the guidelines on targeted use of vaccination against avian influenza (AI) is two-fold.

First, it would contribute to protecting the local poultry industry, thereby, safeguarding the countrys protein supply. Second, it would serve as a deterrent to unauthorized vaccines circulating in the market today.

The most pressing impetus why we pushed for the use of vaccination [was] because we really want to protect our food security, especially poultry, which is the source of cheapest protein both in eggs and meat, Romo told the BusinessMirror.

The PCCP is the partner private organization of the Department of Agriculture (DA) in crafting and drafting the guidelines on bird flu vaccination use.

Romo explained that the PCCP pushed for the inclusion of vaccination as part of the governments tools against bird flu when the transboundary animal disease resurged in late 2021.

He pointed out that bird flu has become endemic to wild birds in recent years compared to the first time that the Philippines suffered outbreaks of the disease in 2017.

We want to protect the areas critical to our food security, especially those near to the marshlands where wild birds go. And we know that those are the same areas where the bulk of our layer population can be found, Romo said.

Furthermore, Romo emphasized that the risk of using illegal vaccines is that it might push the bird flu virus to mutate.

Once that happens, the arrival of legitimate vaccines may not be effective enough to control the virus, he explained.

Industry players have sounded the alarm that various vaccines, claiming to be against bird flu, are readily available and accessible in e-commerce platforms like Shopee.

Romo is confident that the Philippines, in drafting the AI vaccination guidelines, benefitted from the wisdom and experiences of nearby countries that have been using vaccines to control the disease.

Gregorio San Diego, Philippine Egg Board Association (PEBA) chairman, said local poultry raisers have been forced to use smuggled vaccines, such as those sold in online platforms like Shopee, just to have a certain level of protection to their flocks.

If you get hit by bird flu, it can wipe out all your birds and that is a huge devastation. So, poultry raisers are risking using illegal vaccines just to have a sense of protection compared to having none, San Diego told reporters in an interview on Wednesday.

In October 2022, the PEBA joined the call for the government to allow and fast track the entry of inactivated bird flu vaccines in the country to curb the impact of the disease on the domestic layer industry. (Related story:https://businessmirror.com.ph/2022/10/24/phl-layer-industry-cites-riskfrom-ai-surge-pushes-vax/)

San Diego and Romo urged the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to fast track the issuance of the special import permit for the AI vaccines to kick start the rollout of legitimate vaccines.

Romo disclosed that the technical working group (TWG) on AI has formally endorsed three vaccine candidates to the FDA to be issued with special import permits.

He emphasized that the vaccines underwent rigorous local trials and have been used by other countries as well in their fight against bird flu.

The Philippines recently allowed the commercial use of AI vaccines in domestic poultry to help in curbing the spread of bird flu nationwide and minimize economic losses incurred by raisers. (Related story:https://businessmirror.com.ph/2023/11/08/phl-allows-commercial-use-of-ai-vaccine-for-domestic-poultry-industry/)

The landmark policy decision was made after the DA published the guidelines on the targeted use of bird flu vaccines to complement the efforts against the transboundary animal disease.

The urgency of allowing the use of vaccines came about when the country faced resurgence of bird flu outbreaks in recent years at a faster rate and wider scope compared to the initial incidences in 2017.

The Philippines joined the growing number of countries worldwide that have adopted a vaccination policy to control the spread of bird flu that has killed at least 300 million of poultry globally, disrupting global supply and trade.

Excerpt from:

Government avian flu vaccine approval to help boost PHL food ... - BusinessMirror

The flu season typically worsens in the fall and winter months. Photo: Getty Images.

This years flu vaccine should be very protective against the current influenza strains, so as Thanksgiving approaches, now is the perfect time to get your flu shot.

The countdown to Thanksgiving and the other holidays has started. Tis the season for germs, said infectious disease expert Dr. Michelle Barron.

She keeps a close eye on data and studies from South America and Australia to get early insights into how the flu season is likely to develop in the United States.

A recent study of flu cases in South America found that this years vaccine did an excellent job of protecting against severe illness and hospitalization, said Barron, who is UCHealths senior medical director of infection prevention and control and a professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

Its a great match, Barron said. The vaccine is well matched to the strains that are actually causing infections this year. We dont always have that.

She compares a well-matched flu vaccine (efficacy) to a hot-shot guard who is roaming around our bodies, ready to go after bad guys. If the shot is good, the immunities in our bodies are well-primed to spot attackers and nab them before they make us severely ill.

Its like the FBIs Most Wanted List, Barron said. Your body knows what the top bad guys look like, and if an attacker shows up on your doorstep (or in your body), theres no ambiguity about what it is.

If you get your vaccine this year, your body will be ready to rustle up the bad guys and knock them out before they sicken you.

Thats a really good thing because theres no ambiguity, and your immune system will be primed to go after the virus, Barron said.

Vaccine makers have to make educated guesses as they create flu shots well in advance of the respiratory virus season. Sometimes, the guesses are only so-so. But the ingredients in this years vaccine appear to be right on target.

This means that if you get your flu vaccine this year which I strongly encourage you will have great protection against whatever is circulating, Barron said.

It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the flu shot and other vaccines to become fully effective. So Barron is encouraging people to get their flu vaccines now (if they havent already). That way, theyll be fully protected when holiday gatherings begin this month.

Now is great because Thanksgiving and all of the major holidays that involve gatherings and travel are about to occur, she said.

If you get the flu, youre going to feel pretty lousy, and you could miss out on holiday gatherings. Thats really sad, she said. So, if you havent gotten your flu shot yet, now is the optimal time to get your vaccine.

The number of patients who have needed to be hospitalized with the flu is beginning to tick up at UCHealth hospitals, as are flu cases in Colorado and across the U.S., Barron said.

Barron said its very common for the flu season to hit suddenly. Typically, there will be a handful of cases, and then hospitalizations will suddenly shoot up.

I suspect that in the next couple of weeks, well really see a very high escalation in flu cases, she said.

So before that happens, Barron urges people to visit their doctors office, a flu clinic at work or a drug store and get a jab.

On top of getting your flu vaccine as soon as possible, how else should you prepare for the flu season? We went over some of the basics with Barron.

No, the flu shot does not give you the flu. It is possible to already have been exposed to the flu before you get your vaccine. Also, in some years, the vaccine isnt a great match, so you can still get the flu if youre vaccinated. Even so, a flu vaccine will help reduce the severity of illness and will help prevent hospitalizations and deaths.

Even if the vaccine is not 100% effective at preventing a case of the flu, it does make it milder, and it almost universally keeps you out of the hospital, which is a big deal, Barron said.

Yes, the flu is still quite deadly. And thanks to vaccines, deaths from the flu are preventable. Thats why its so vital to get your flu shot every year.

Experts at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that between 17,000 and 98,000 people died from the flu during the 2022-23 flu season. (The data are still preliminary. Thats why the range is so broad.) In addition, up to 50 million people in the U.S. probably got the flu last year, and well over half a million people had to be hospitalized due to the flu.

It takes about two weeks to be fully effective, so get your jab now, Barron said.

No, its not too late. Dont worry about timing your shot perfectly. Just get your flu vaccine as soon as possible.

The typical flu symptoms are high fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat and cough, Barron said.

A case of the flu can come on very suddenly. People can feel exhausted. Your appetite may be poor. But even if you dont feel like eating or drinking, its really important to stay hydrated.

There is a medication which can help people recover faster if they get the flu. Its called Tamiflu. But in order to shorten the severity and length of illness, a sick person needs to receive Tamiflu within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.

Barron advises people who are especially vulnerable to call for help if they think they might have the flu.

We have tests available. If you have the flu, we can help you. Tamilflu is a treatment option, and it can shorten the duration of the disease.

First, get your vaccine. Second, if you are immunocompromised, wear a mask in crowded indoor settings and, if possible, avoid crowds.

If you are sick, stay home from work or social gatherings.

I dont like being the flu police, but anybody with cold symptoms should consider wearing a mask to protect other people. Nobody wants to get the flu, Barron said.

If you get diagnosed early in the course of your illness, you can take Tamiflu. (Thats a prescription medication, so youll need to call your doctor.)

If you are recovering at home, Barron recommends basic over the counter medications.

And good old-fashioned chicken soup can help you feel better, Barron said.

Any time you develop breathing problems or your fever isnt going away, you definitely need to seek medical attention, Barron said.

Very young babies and older adults are especially vulnerable. Immunocompromised people can also get very sick if they get the flu. This includes people who are being treated for cancer and people who have had organ transplants.

Barron said people with breathing difficulties like underlying asthma and lung disease also can get very sick with the flu.

They should be sure to get their flu shots and should be careful to avoid getting sick during the peak respiratory illness season during the fall and winter.

Just do yourself a favor, and get your shot, Barron said. Stay heathy so you can enjoy the holidays.

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This year's flu shot should be a good match for current influenza ... - UCHealth Today