Protecting yourself and your community during flu season: options that work for everyone

As we head into another flu season, we know many of you are weighing your options for staying healthy. We’re here to provide you with clear, evidence-based information to help you make the best decision for you and your family.

We recommend annual flu vaccination for everyone 6 months and older. The flu shot is especially important for infants over the age of 6 months old and young children, anyone pregnant (or planning to become pregnant), those over the age of 50, those with a chronic medical condition, and those caring for someone who is at risk for complications of the flu.

Influenza isn’t just a “bad cold” – it’s a serious respiratory illness that sends hundreds of thousands of Americans to the hospital each year. Last season alone, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) estimated that flu caused between 600,000-1.3 million hospitalizations and thousands of deaths, with the highest rates among adults 65 and older and children under 5.

But here’s what’s encouraging: we have multiple tools to reduce these numbers, with the flu vaccine being our most effective option.

The Science Behind Flu Vaccination

The annual flu vaccine typically reduces your risk of getting the flu by 40-60% when it’s well-matched to circulating viruses. Even when the match isn’t perfect, vaccination often makes illness milder and shorter if you do get sick. Recent studies show that flu vaccination:

• Reduces flu-related hospitalizations by 40-60% among the general population
• Cuts ICU admissions for flu by 82%
• Decreases in flu-related deaths in children by 65%
• Protects pregnant people and their babies for several months after birth

We Understand Your Concerns

We hear from patients every day who have questions or concerns about vaccines. These feelings are completely normal, and we want to address each one of them honestly:

• “I got the flu shot and still got sick”– This can happen, and it’s frustrating. The vaccine protects against the strains scientists predict will be most common, but sometimes other strains circulate too. However, studies consistently show that vaccinated people who do get flu typically have milder, shorter illness.
• “I’m worried about side effects” – The most common side effects are mild: soreness at the injection site, low-grade fever, or minor aches. Serious allergic reactions occur in less than 1 in a million doses. We’re always here to discuss your specific health concerns.
• “I’m just tired of shots and medical interventions” – We completely understand pandemic fatigue and feeling overwhelmed by health recommendations. Talking to your provider and making choices that are right for you is important for your overall wellbeing.

Other Ways to Keep the Flu Away

Here are evidence-based strategies that that everyone should practice:

• Hand Hygiene – Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (sing the Happy Birthday song twice), especially after being in public spaces. Hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol is a good backup when soap isn’t available.
• Respiratory Etiquette – Cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow, not your hands. This simple step dramatically reduces the spread of respiratory viruses.
• Stay Home When Sick – Keep yourself and family members home when experiencing fever, cough, or other flu symptoms. This protects others and helps you recover faster.

You can also optimize your immune system by:

• Getting plenty of Sleep-Aim for 7-9 hours per night. Poor sleep significantly increases susceptibility to viruses.
• Nutrition-Focus on fruits, vegetables, and adequate protein. Vitamin D and zinc play important roles in immune function.
• Stress Management-Chronic stress weakens immune response. Find activities that help you manage stress effectively.
• Regular Exercise-Moderate exercise boosts immune function, but avoid overexertion when feeling run down.

There are other things that you can do in and around your home or workspace, such as maintaining good air circulation and cleaning frequently-touched surfaces regularly (yes, we mean that door knob and fridge door handle)..

As a One Medical member, you have access to a healthcare provider 24/7. If you get sick, you should contact your One Medical provider if you develop any of the following symptoms:

• Fever over 101.3°F (38.5°C) with body aches
• Severe headache or persistent cough
• Difficulty breathing or chest pain
• Signs of dehydration - decreased urination, dark urine, or dry mouth
• Symptoms that improve then suddenly worsen

Supporting Your Health

We’re here to support your health journey. Our goal is to ensure you have accurate information and feel confident in your cares. We’re here to help you stay as healthy as possible this flu season.