With the holiday season upon us, friends and family will gather to reconnect and spend time together. Being in close contact with many people means an increased likelihood of catching and spreading an illness. No one wants holiday activities interrupted by flu.
For your readers who have not yet been vaccinated, I want them to know how critical the flu shot is for helping to prevent flu. Even though flu season has already begun, it's not too late to be immunized.
As a local doctor treating both adult and pediatric patients, I see the effects of flu first-hand. In fact, over 11,000 people were diagnosed with the flu in Kings County last season. That is why it crucial to get your flu shot especially if you are in a high-risk group.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently reported that flu activity for the 2019-2020 season is starting to increase in the United States, with regional and widespread flu activity reported in 24 states. If you won't get immunized for yourself, do it for those around you, including older adults, young children and family members with conditions like asthma, heart disease or diabetes.
Adults aged 50+ with chronic health conditions are more susceptible to experiencing complications after being diagnosed with the flu.
I urge you to read the information and stories at GetMyShot.org and get a flu shot this season.
Best,
Payel Gupta, M.D., FACAA
