(Howard, SD) – Between school, family, and work obligations, life rarely slows down. Seasonal colds and the flu do not care how full your schedule is—but Horizon Health does.
Schedules are full in the fall, and unfortunately, seasonal colds and the flu do not care how busy we are. Getting a seasonal vaccination helps keep you and your family on the go.
Our providers are prepared to help you navigate cold and flu season with annual wellness exams and acute care visits to keep you strong through t
his busy season.
Chief Medical Officer Misty Rudebusch, MPAS, PA-C, encourages everyone to get seasonal vaccines to help protect themselves and those they love.
“Being sidelined by colds and the flu is no one’s idea of a happy fall. Let Horizon Health help keep you well,” she said.
Viruses change and mutate. Scientists study these changes to create the most effective vaccines to reduce your risk of catching the flu or RSV.
- Even if you had a vaccine last year, effectiveness lowers over time, so you need an updated dose.
- People who receive the flu vaccine can reduce their risk of getting the flu by 40 to 60 percent, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
- Staying healthy can help your pocketbook by avoiding missed shifts and expensive medical bills.
- Getting a flu shot will increase your chances of having a healthy household throughout the year. If you aren’t getting the flu, neither is your family.
Who needs seasonal vaccines the most?
Children, older adults and pregnant women are most in need of seasonal vaccines.
- Pregnant women have an altered immune system and experience increased stress on the heart and lungs. They can also transfer antibodies given with the flu vaccine to their babies.
- Older adults have a slower immune system due to age and may have pre-existing chronic conditions. Getting the flu makes symptoms of chronic disease worse. They also have a higher risk of developing pneumonia with an infection that would be relatively minor in a younger person.
- A child’s immune system has not learned to effectively fight off infections. Antibodies they receive from their mothers fade after about six months. Infants have smaller airways, so respiratory infections like RSV can take a heavier toll.
Contact your local clinic for an appointment to get ahead of schedule with your primary care and seasonal vaccines. Thank you for trusting your wellbeing to Horizon Health!