Did you know that the flu season extends from November through April? That means the risk of contracting the flu will remain exceptionally high for another four months.
"The flu vaccine can keep you from getting sick with influenza (a contagious respiratory infection," said Laura Baatz, occupational nurse at Sanford Underground Research Facility (Sanford Lab). "It will reduce the risk of flu-associated hospitalizations for working age adults, small children, and the elderly, especially for those with chronic health conditions. Offering the vaccination onsite is a benefit the Lab provides and makes it readily accessible to employees."
Haven’t been vaccinated yet? It’s not too late!
Sanford Lab employees can receive a free flu shot from the nurse’s office. Many organizations offer free or discounted vaccinations as well. To find a vaccination location near you, use the Center for Disease Control’s Flu Vaccine Finder.
If you’re debating receiving a flu vaccination this season, be sure to read the National Safety Council’s list debunking six popular myths about the flu shot:
MYTH: Healthy people do not need a flu vaccine.
FACT: Healthy people can get flu and suffer life-threatening complications from it. They may also spread flu to people at high risk, including:
- Children younger than 5 (especially those younger than 2)
- Adults 65 years old or older
- Pregnant women
- Residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities
- People with many chronic health conditions and disorders
MYTH: The flu isn’t serious.
FACT: In 2015, flu was the eighth leading cause of death in the U.S. Complications of flu include bacterial pneumonia, ear or sinus infections, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions such as congestive heart failure, asthma or diabetes.
MYTH: I should wait to get my flu vaccine.
FACT: CDC recommends everyone older than 6 months get an annual flu vaccine by the end of October if possible, as that’s usually the beginning of flu season. Immunity lasts through a full flu season for almost everyone. As long as flu viruses are circulating, it is not too late to get vaccinated, even in January or later.
MYTH: Flu shots can give people the flu.
FACT: The flu vaccine is made with inactivated viruses or no virus at all, so you can’t get the flu from it. You may experience side effects including soreness or redness where the shot was given. Rarer are low-grade fever, headaches or muscle aches. Side effects usually go away in one or two days.
MYTH: Flu shots aren’t safe or effective.
FACT: Hundreds of millions of Americans have safely received flu vaccines over the past 50 years, and extensive research supports the safety of flu vaccines. Flu strains change every year, so the annual vaccine protects against most new viruses that are circulating.
MYTH: It’s OK to go to work or school if you have flu-like symptoms.
FACT: To keep flu from spreading, it’s important to stay home if you don’t feel well or may be contagious. Stay home at least 24 hours after a fever is gone. People are contagious one day before symptoms appear and up to a week after.
The Environmental, Safety and Health, and Quality Assurance Department at Sanford Underground Research Facility promotes health and safety in the workplace, as well as healthy living and wellness for all employees. If you have questions about health and wellness, please contact our occupational health nurse, Laura Baatz, who is onsite daily at lbaatz@sanfordlab.org.