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It is National Influenza Awareness Week. A physician highlights the importance of getting vaccinated before celebrating with family and friends this holiday season.
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CLEVELAND - It’s National Influenza Awareness Week.
If you haven’t gotten your flu vaccine yet, now is a good time to do so – especially as family and friends come together for the holidays.
“You may be surrounded by people who are older or younger or can't receive the vaccines and are actually immunocompromised, so it's really important to protect not only yourself but your loved ones,” explained Neha Vyas, MD, family medicine physician for Cleveland Clinic.
Dr. Vyas said the flu vaccine can also help reduce the severity of symptoms if you do end up getting sick.
According to the CDC, the vaccine is recommended for anyone six months and older.
Side effects are generally mild and short-lived, if you do experience any.
They may include soreness at the injection site, fever, fatigue, muscle aches and headache.
“In addition to immunizing yourself and your loved ones, it's important that you make sure you cover your cough, or if you're not feeling well, be sure to wear a mask,” advised Dr. Vyas. “It's also important that you wash your hands before you touch your face or before you eat, and ensure that all high touch surfaces such as doorknobs, kitchen sinks, and faucets are cleaned regularly with a sanitizing or disinfecting wipe.”
Dr. Vyas said besides the flu vaccine, the public should also get vaccinated for COVID-19, pneumonia and RSV, if eligible.
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