Each year, scientists find the three to four types of flu that they think will be the most dangerous next year. Those dead viruses are put in flu vaccines. While the flu vaccine can protect you from what scientists think will be the worst and most common flu types, it doesn’t protect you from all of them. Getting vaccinated doesn't just decrease your chances of …show more content…
Pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections and ear infections are examples of flu-related complications. The people who are at highest risk include young children, older people, pregnant women and people with certain health conditions. In recent years, it's estimated that between 80 and 90% of seasonal flu-related deaths have occurred in people 65 years and older, and between 50 and 70% of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations have occurred in that age group. It is important to get the vaccine before its too late because the infection is extremely contagious. Without knowing, you can infect and put people around you at risk.
CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses. Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine as soon as the current season's vaccines are available. If your child is younger than 6 months they are at high risk of serious flu illness, but are too young to be vaccinated. Caregivers in those cases should be vaccinated instead. Another important way to prevent getting and spreading illness is to wash your hands throughout the