Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Shoppers Drug Mart. As always, opinions are my own.
Over the last few years I’ve been part of #ShoppersFluCrew, helping to spread the word about flu prevention.
This year, chatting about the flu seemed extra important to me as I was dealing with health issues and the last thing that I wanted on top of everything else was to be knocked out by the flu!
In November, my first post “How to tell if you have a cold or flu” was about just that… how can you tell the difference? Basically, it comes down to the simple fact that the flu is way worse and lasts longer. For some, it lasts weeks! With a cold, you’re miserable for a day or two, but then can go about your daily business… with the flu, you’re knocked out, in your jammies, not wanting to get out of bed!
My post “Who are you getting the flu shot for” was meant to point out the folks who really need you to get the flu shot. Lots of people feel they are healthy and don’t require the shot… but the thing is, there are wee children, elderly and folks, people with immune issues and pregnant ladies… all hoping to avoid the flu as the results can be devastating! People DIE from the flu… it’s not just an inconvenience.
My post “Why I got my flu shot in January” (check out the post and enter the giveaway that closes Feb 8th) was an explanation of the fact that even though I believe in getting the flu shot… my own health delayed me getting the vaccine until I was feeling better and the second I could… I got the flu shot.
It’s not too late to get yours.
There are still a few months of “flu season” left and in Nova Scotia… we’re at peak season RIGHT NOW. The best news through all of that is the flu shot is WORKING! In a recent article posted by CBC News, research shows that “this year’s flu vaccine is 72 per cent effective in preventing infection with the H1N1 respiratory virus overall across all age groups.”
AND that seems to be the biggest problem at the moment… this year’s influenza is the H1N1 strain and if memory serves me… that’s the strain that ten years ago sent us all into a panic lining up for flu vaccines to protect our children.
In the last few weeks, I’ve been reading more and more stories about young children being hospitalized from this year’s influenza and I implore you… as part of the #ShoppersFluCrew… as a Mom… if you haven’t done so yet, get your children and yourself protected.
Last week, both of my children (18 and 20) were home in their bedrooms absolutely miserable… one ended up with a chest infection and on antibiotics and the other had the dreaded “man flu”. I was back and forth to their rooms bringing water, soup, medications and juice… all the while avoiding getting too close, but luckily my flu shot kept their germs at bay. They felt awful and while I can write a light and fluffy post about how they felt and all I had to do to take care of them… I feel it’s more important to be serious.
There are people at great risk from contracting influenza.
If you haven’t done so and you’re able to get the flu shot… don’t wait any longer. Head out to Shoppers Drug Mart (no appointment necessary) where one of their pharmacists will fill out some quick paperwork (bring your health card) and give you the shot that can make all the difference to the final months flu season.
For those of you who have gotten the flu shot, tell me why on Twitter (@CurtainsAreOpen) with the hashtag #ShoppersFluCrew.