With things like enterovirus D68 and Ebola going around, family health care should be one of Americans' top concerns. Although sensationalist headlines and news reports are making the rounds, the majority of U.S. men and women still aren't getting the message: right now, it is especially important to be proactive about health.
Less Than Half Of Americans Get Flu Shots
Every year, 5 to 20% of Americans of all ages get sick with the flu. Believe it or not, it can be fatal -- and it "kills an average of more than 30,000 people a year," according to a September 18 USA Today article. For that reason, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend flu vaccines for nearly all people -- as long as they are older than six months old. The CDC also strongly urges seniors to get flu shots and a new vaccine for pneumonia.
Health care experts warn Americans not to skip these vaccines for any reason. Even if you are still in the process of finding a primary care physician, you can easily get a flu shot for you (and your loved ones) at a family health clinic, 24 hour walk in clinic, or one of the various urgent care facilities in your area. Most urgent care centers boast short wait times, flexible hours, and relatively immediate care (e.g. no appointment is necessary). In addition to administering flu shots, these urgent or family health clinics treat lacerations, strains, sprains, concussions, food poisoning, colds, and more.
Remember, Germs Are Still A Thing
There are often two kinds of people: the people who obsessively use anti-bacterial hand sanitizer (and have the tiny to-go bottles for their cars or purses) and people who have scarcely considered the meaning of the word "germ." As always, hand-washing works, and you should be mindful to avoid touching (or, wash your hands after touching) door knobs and other frequently handled objects.
Some pretty scary things are going around. Avoid getting sick this fall by getting your flu shot and staying conscious of the germs around you.
