Not too late for flu vaccine

Is it too late to get your flu vaccine for the 2022-2023 flu season? Health experts at HSHS St. Francis say no. The flu season typically peaks from December to March but can continue through May. Staying up to date with your vaccines is critically important to keeping you, your family and your community safe.

It takes about two weeks for your body to adjust to the vaccine and build up antibodies, so the sooner you get the vaccine the better. If you have not received the flu vaccine for this season, now is the perfect time.

This year health care providers and communities are worried about the triple threat of COVID-19, flu and RSV. Decreasing your chances for one or two of these illnesses through vaccines greatly increases your chances of a healthy start to 2023.

Find where you can get vaccinated: https://www.vaccines.gov/find-vaccines/.

Additional ways to protect yourself from the flu and other winter illnesses include:

• Stay home and avoid close contact when you are sick or around people who are sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
• Wash your hands often to help protect yourself from germs.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Practice other good health habits such as frequently disinfecting high-touch items, staying active, getting enough sleep, managing stress and maintaining a healthy diet.

Information on this year’s flu season, typical symptoms and other ways to limit the spread can be found at www.cdc.gov/flu.