Flu Vaccinations and Google's Very Cool Flu Map!

Did you know that the flu shot isn’t only important to individual protection it also reduces the likelihood of the flu being spread? When more people get vaccinated against the flu, it

can't spread through that community according to the CDC. This is especially important if you’re caring for someone else, particularly a senior. Given that the vaccine is less effective in seniors, an additional layer of protection is possible if caregivers and loved ones also get vaccinated.

If you’re wondering whether the flu is active in your community, Google’s Flu Map is one way to check: it uses common flu-related search terms as indicators of flu activity in various regions. Whether your region is getting hit by the flu might be a helpful deciding factor in getting a shot this year—though, again, the CDC’s recommendation is for everyone to get a flu shot, even if you’re not in a hard-hit area.  You can find Google’s Flu Map online at this url: http://www.google.org/flutrends/us/#US

We hear from people every year about how they got the flu from flu shots, the shot made them ill, etc.  While medically it’s not possible to get the flu from a flu vaccination,  it is possible to get side effects  that may feel a bit like the flu.  These may include soreness at the injection site, aches, or low-grade fever.  With all questions of this type, you should always consult with your doctor.  It’s important to make informed decisions when dealing with health & well being!

Bringing useful news to educate our clients is one more way that Home Helpers has been making life easier for over a decade.  Call us today at 704-909-7958.  And as always, you can find us on our website,  Facebook and Google+!