We have all just gone through a very strange, difficult time. The COVID-19 pandemic was unlike anything we’ve experienced before and it forced us all to rethink our lives. It forced us to look at our jobs, our family life, and our personal interests and values. A lot of people left their previous job for something they thought would be more fulfilling. It forced us as an industry to truly look at what was best for senior citizens and how that was reflected in senior care.
And of course, it brought up the question of vaccinations.
Now that flu season is approaching, it’s likely that you have some questions, too. First and foremost of these might be, should I get the flu shot? Unfortunately, the answer is: it depends. There are a lot of factors that need to be taken into account before making this determination. For most, the flu shot is the right way to go, but please speak with a doctor before making a determination. A doctor will be able to give you information that is relevant and sensitive to your unique needs as an individual. This is something that cannot ever be done well in a virtual setting.
Another big question that people ask is, what time of year is best to get the flu shot?
This can vary from year to year, depending on what is happening with real world events and what the particular virulent strain of the flu is at the time. But like many other health issues, the answer depends on the individual and their particular needs. In general, flu season starts in October and a flu shot can be effective anytime starting around September first. But it is important to work with a medical professional to determine what the correct course of action is for your particular needs.
Unfortunately, there’s a lot of conflicting information out there regarding the flu vaccine–and vaccines in general. Everyone has their own personal beliefs about these things, and there’s nothing wrong with that. But when opinions are presented as facts or as concrete value judgments, it can be really easy to get lost in a mountain of information and misinformation. If you have questions about the flu vaccine (or anything else related to your health), please get in touch with your primary care physician. They will be able to answer your questions more thoroughly and accurately than a random internet article can.
Whether or not you get the flu vaccine is a personal decision, but it’s one that should be made with a doctor’s guidance in mind. No one can force you to get vaccinated, but there are some clear benefits to doing so. Still, it’s not always in each individual’s best interests to do so. Between allergies, autoimmune issues, and religious beliefs, the flu vaccine is something that you will need to evaluate for yourself–but it doesn’t need to be done alone. Speak with your physician to learn more.
And if you have questions about senior care, please remember that we are always here to help.
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