By the Numbers: Getting Ahead of Flu Season
![Getting ahead of flu season](/-/media/project/hmh/hmh/public/healthu/healthu-images/education-stories/2021/10/2021-10-08.jpg?h=1360&iar=0&w=1361&hash=298F5811D86ECDA06AB27322181BDD24)
October 08, 2021
Why Get a Flu Vaccine
- A flu vaccine can reduce your risk of flu illness by 40%–60%
- In 2019–2020, flu vaccination prevented an estimated:
- 7.5 million flu illnesses
- 3.7 million flu-related medical visits
- 105,000 flu-related hospitalizations
- 6,300 flu-associated deaths
What Makes a Flu Vaccine Effective
At least two factors play an important role in determining the likelihood that the flu vaccine will protect a person from flu illness:- Characteristics of the person being vaccinated (age and health)
- Similarity or “match” between the flu viruses the flu vaccine is designed to protect against and the flu viruses spreading in the community
When to Get Your Flu Vaccine
- Get a flu vaccine every year
- Get your flu vaccine by the end of October
Other Ways to Prevent the Flu
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Stay home if you’re sick
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
- Wash your hands often with soap and water
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
Next Steps & Resources:
- To make an appointment with a doctor near you, call 800-822-8905.
The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.
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