It’s National Influenza Vaccination Week | #NIVW2014

As we head into the Holiday season, make sure to take precautions to keep your family healthy. There has already been a lot of illness going around our area. In fact I haven’t been able to get my flu vaccine yet since I have been battling a antibiotic resistant sinus infection. My visit to my physician last week revealed I had a fever and he advised I wait on the vaccine. Due to my job as a dental hygienist and my constant contact with people, I really need to get my flu vaccine.

The CDC came up with National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) back in 2005 as a way to remind the public to get vaccinated before the Holiday season. NIVW is scheduled for December 7-13, 2014. Past surveys have shown that flu vaccinations steadily decline after November. However, it is not too late to get vaccinated! Flu activity usually peaks sometime between December and February and can run as late as May.

So who should get the influenza vaccine?

The CDC recommends that everyone over the age of 6 months old receive the flu vaccine. There are certain groups of people who are at high risk for developing complications from the flu. If you or a loved one falls into a high risk category, it is extremely important that you get vaccinated. People at high risk of serious flu complications include young children, pregnant women, people with certain chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart and lung disease, and people age 65 years and older.

3 Step Approach

The CDC recommends a 3-step approach to preventing influenza. Of course the number one defense is getting an influenza vaccine! Then use everyday precautions like washing hands and covering your mouth when sneezing. Also if you suspect you have the flu, stay home to avoid spreading the disease. Lastly, if your doctor prescribes anti-viral medications start taking them as soon as you have been diagnosed with the flu. The antiviral medications will decrease the severity of the illness.

Influenza Resources from the CDC

The Flu Guide for Parents

Information on High Risk People

Pediatric Flu Deaths

More Information on NIVW

Stay healthy this season and get vaccinated!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of The Motherhood and the CDC.

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Renae Chiovaro

Renae is a married working mom of two handsome boys. She works as a registered dental hygienist by day and blogs here at How to Have it All by night. She enjoys cooking from scratch, working in her vegetable garden and functional training.