Should you get a flu shot?
September 13, 2012
Balancing the demands of raising a family while pursuing a college degree can be stressful. Many student parents do everything they can to try and simplify their lives and ensure that they're giving their all to both of these responsibilities. However, when you or your children get sick, even the best laid plans fall apart.
Although cold winter days are still months away, experts say the flu season is quickly approaching.
According to WWBT-TV News, the flu season officially gets underway in October. And the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging everyone to get vaccinated against this dangerous virus as soon as possible.
Health officials say anyone over 6-months-old should get the flu vaccine this year to avoid a potentially serious illness.
According to NapsNet.com, only a third of adults aged 18 through 64 get a flu shot, despite the fact that each year in the U.S., one in five people, or up to 20 percent of the population gets the virus. On average, influenza and its related complications result in approximately 226,000 hospitalizations.
It's important to note that the vaccine takes about two weeks to protect you from the virus, which is one of the reasons why you should get it for yourself and your kids sooner rather than later. The good news is that the vaccine will be effective for up to one year after it's administered, so once you get it you won't have to do again until next year.
Experts say that the virus in the vaccine is inactive and cannot give you the flu. However, side effects such as soreness and fever are not uncommon.
In addition, individuals of all ages can help prevent the spread of the flu by washing their hands often as well as covering their mouth when they cough and their nose when they sneeze. Staying home when you're sick to avoid spreading the virus is a good idea as well.
Although getting sick can throw a major wrench into your plans, moms pursuing a college degree should rest assured that paying for school doesn't have to derail their dreams. Financial aid for moms, college scholarships and grants can help reduce your out-of-pocket expense and make your dream of becoming a college graduate a reality.
