Get The Shot!!!

     Hey Fam... Yes, the flu is kicking butt this season.  Every state in the US has reported a flu incident.  There have been more than the average amount of flu cases arising and we still have a little while to go until we reach the end of February which is normally the end of the peak of the season.  Keep in mind that the flu usually runs it's course between October and March, but this season's flu outbreaks are so bad, that experts cannot prediction when the severity of it will end.  




     Let's just remind ourselves of some facts about the flu.  You will have any combination of fever or chills, headaches, body wide muscle aches, fatigue, dehydration, coughing and vomiting. It usually lasts about 1-2 weeks, with about 2-3 days of that time being "the worst".  Anyone that I know who has had it, NEVER wants to get it again.


     The flu is easy to spread.  People are contagious starting ONE day before they have any symptoms and for as long as 7 days after becoming sick.  That is a long time to walk around spreading the virus.  Because the virus lingers on surfaces and in the air, you can become an easy target.  We can do some preventative things to stop the spread of germs.  First and foremost, stay away from sick people or limit your contact with them.  Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough/sneeze.  Cover your mouth with your hand--like you were told as a child--and then WASH IT after you sneeze/cough. Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated.  WASH your HANDS, wash your hands, and wash your hands. If you are already sick, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you can avoid spreading the illness by staying home until 24 hours after the fever is gone without using fever reducers.  Only leave your home for medical attention.
     The flu is not your common cold and people need to recognize that fact.  The flu can kill you.  This season's flu is hitting people of ALL ages hard.  According to the CDC, at least 63 children have died from the flu and it's complications.  In total, just over 4,000 people died during the 3rd week of 2018 from the flu or pneumonia which are closely tied together during the winter season. This season's flu reports far exceed the last severe flu outbreak of 2003.
     Many employer's offer the flu vaccine to their employees.  Your local Department of Health offers the flu shot for free. Here is a cost list compiled by 20somethingfinance.com :

The Cheapest Flu Shot Locations

If you don’t have health insurance, or an employer or county health department that offers free flu shots, there are a number of retailers offering fairly cheap flu shots for the 2017-2018 flu season. If you do have health insurance that covers flu shots, it might even be more convenient than going to your doctor. Most have online scheduling.
Most are not offering their flu shot prices online, but luckily I have a phone and made a few calls. Here is the pricing that I found (insurance acceptance varies and usual co-pay applies):

• Costco Flu Shots: No trivalent this year. $19.99 for quadrivalent. Costco is the cheapest on this list if you don’t have insurance. Flu shots at the Costco Pharmacy is one of the services you can get from Costco without a membership.
• CVS Flu shots: No trivalent (yet this year). $41 for quadrivalent.
• Walgreen’s Flu Shots: Costs $31.99 for trivalent. $39.99 for quadrivalent.
• Rite Aid Flu Shots: Costs $35 for trivalent. $40 for quadrivalent.
• Meijer Flu Shots: No trivalent (yet this year). $35.99 for quadrivalent.
• Wal Mart Flu Shots: Costs $27.88 for trivalent. $39.88 for quadrivalent.
• Sam’s Club Flu Shots: No trivalent this year. $30 for quadrivalent. Flu shots at the Sam’s Club Pharmacy is one of the services you can get from Sam’s Club without a membership.
• Kroger Flu Shots: Costs $30 for trivalent. $40 for quadrivalent.
• Target Flu Shots: No trivalent (yet this year). $39.99 for quadrivalent. Note that CVS now runs all Target pharmacies, so prices are the same, but you do get a $5 Target gift card if you get a flu shot at a Target CVS pharmacy.

     Don't let the trivalent vs. quadrivalent word confuse you.  The trivalent is being phased out as it only covers 3 different flu viruses whereas the quadrivalent product covers 4 different viruses.  Although research shows that the flu vaccine is only about 33% effective this year, a flu shot of any kind is better than having no protection at all.  The FLU is EVERYWHERE in AMERICA right now.  Schools are closing for days at a time, hospitals are limiting visitors, healthcare workers are wearing masks throughout their shifts at work, and some hospitals are at capacity taking care of patients with the flu/pneumonia.  Just take the time to go and GET THE SHOT!!!  It won't hurt...