Health officials say it’s time to get a flu shot if you haven’t already.
Arizona saw a massive wave of influenza last fall and winter. Cases last year started soaring in early November. So medical experts say it’s a good idea this year to try to get a flu shot before Halloween.
“This year we expect about the same thing, therefore we’re recommending that you try to get your shot before October ends so that you’re immune before that first spike hits in early November,” said Dr. Mike Kleven a primary care physician with Optum - Arizona.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends flu vaccines for everyone 6 months and older. Kleven said babies, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable to serious complications from flu. But he said even healthy adults should get vaccinated to help prevent a wider outbreak.
“The goal of getting the shot is not just to protect yourself, but to protect those around you,” Kleven said.
Arizona is not seeing a significant flu surge so far this fall, but the Arizona Department of Health Services reports recent case counts have been higher than average for this time of year.
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