The flu can lead to serious complications, especially for young children, older adults, pregnant women, and those with chronic health conditions.  You can, however, significantly reduce your risk with some easy preventative strategies.

Vaccination – By far the single most effective way to prevent influenza and serious complications is to get vaccinated every year.

• Protect yourself: The vaccine reduces your risk of catching the flu and lessens the severity if you do get sick.
• Protect others: Vaccination helps create herd immunity, especially important for protecting vulnerable groups.
• Reduce strain on the healthcare system: Preventing flu cases helps reduce overcrowding in clinics and hospitals, especially during flu season.

Are you telling yourself these myths?

“The flu shot gives you the flu.”
False. The flu shot uses inactivated virus or a single protein that cannot cause infection.

“I got the shot last year, so I’m good.”
Nope. Flu viruses constantly mutate, and the vaccine is updated yearly to keep up with the current strains circulating.

“I never get sick, so I don’t need to get vaccinated.”
Even healthy people can catch and spread the flu. Vaccination protects you and those around you.

So who should get vaccinated?
• Everyone aged 6 months and older (with rare exceptions).
 It’s especially critical for:
• Adults over 65
• Children under 5
• Pregnant individuals
• People with chronic conditions (like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease)
• Healthcare workers and caregivers

When is the best time to get vaccinated?
Ideally, get your flu shot in early autumn before flu season peaks. It takes about 2 weeks for antibodies to develop, so the earlier you’re protected, the better.

What else can you do?

1. Wash your hands often
• Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• If soap isn’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your face—especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.

2. Cover coughs and sneezes
• Use a tissue or the inside of your elbow.
• Dispose of tissues immediately and wash your hands afterward.

3. Stay home if you’re sick
• Don’t “power through” your day. Resting helps you recover and prevents spreading the virus.

4. Look after your immune system.
• Sleep: Aim for 7–9 hours a night.
• Nutrition: Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
• Exercise: Moderate activity boosts immunity
• Stress management: Chronic stress can weaken your immune response.

5. Avoid Close Contact During Peak Season
• Limit exposure to crowded places during outbreaks.
• Wear a mask if you’re in high-risk environments or caring for someone sick.

Flu season may come every year, but so can your protection. Be proactive—your body will thank you!