No ifs or maybes. Just do it. Vaccinate, people, vaccinate. People with chronic medical conditions need to ensure they are protected. Many of us are on medications that suppress our otherwise over active immune systems. Other medications can suppress the immune system even if that is not the treatment objective.
Getting sick takes a bigger toll on those of us who are, well, you know …. already sick. Our bodies are already facing a daily battle. There is also a multiplication factor. One example is pain management. Using movement/exercise as pain management requires moving sufficiently EVERY DAY. Lying in bed for a week or more with tissues, blocked nose, headaches and fever is going to set pain management progress totally awry. While it won’t be necessarily back to Square One, there will be a loss of progress, perhaps a resumption of pain and/or stiffness. Not where any of us want to be. So not only will the flu knock us flat, it can set us back in other ways as well. I know if I spent a week or ten days unable to exercise, I would pay for it with increased stiffness and pain, plus we lose strength gains and muscle tone faster. It would set me back, and I don’t want that – for me, or for you.
Timing of the shot can be critical, as the Australian Medical Association highlights.
The Australian Medical Association has advised not to have the vaccination too early.
“Remember why you need to have a vaccine every year is the influenza virus rapidly and quickly mutates. It will be appropriate for some patients to defer having their flu shot until well into April,” he said.
Dr Gannon said people should speak to their GP about the best time to get the flu shot.
People with chronic disease are entitled to free flu vaccinations. Check with your doctor.
I received my first flu vaccine in 1999. I have had it every year since except one and I regretted missing it that year so much. My daughter, not vaccinated, became extremely ill last year – she WILL be getting the flu shot this year.
Get the flu shot people. Don’t take the risk. Last year’s flu season was very bad and this year’s may be worse. 1,100 people died last flu season.
Get the flu shot.
Meanwhile, for readers heading into SUMMER, remember your sun protection!
Additional References:
What you need to know about Fluad and FluZone High Dose, the new flu vaccines for over-65s
Doctors Best to Give Flu Vaccines
Australia prepares as US suffers ‘worst flu season in a decade’
Disclaimer: This is general advice. Every patient should check with their doctor to ensure correct timing for them and that there are no contraindications in their specific medical case.
Note: There is a contradiction in the ABC article linked above: a recommendation of May/June under the photo, while April is cited in the text. Check with your GP.
Note the title of this article has been updated to reflect the passage of time.
Limberation 
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