It’s National Influenza Vaccination Week

‘Tis the season for family get-togethers, holiday magic and also, the flu. Influenza is a serious disease that can result in hospitalization and can even be fatal. An annual seasonal flu vaccine (either the flu shot or the nasal spray flu vaccine) is the best way to reduce the chances that you will get seasonal flu and spread it to others.

Did you know influenza vaccination activity drops quickly after the end of November – but flu activity peaks between December and February? That’s why we at The Motherhood partnered with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and a team of fantastic bloggers to raise awareness of the importance of flu vaccines during the ninth annual National Influenza Vaccination Week, December 7-13, 2014.

Our bloggers shared some eye-opening information on the importance of vaccinations in their posts. Read on for a few of the highlights and follow along with the conversation using #NIVW2014. For more information on influenza and how you can keep your family healthy this season, please visit the CDC’s website.

• “It is recommended that anyone 6 months or older get an annual flu vaccine to help protect against the disease. And even those who have already gotten the flu could benefit from the vaccination because it protects you against three or four different flu viruses!” – Mariah, Formula: Mom

• “I know we’re even more cautious because Aliceana has been diagnosed with asthma. Vaccination is especially important for children with asthma, diabetes (type 1 and 2), or certain other long-term medical conditions because they are at increased risk for serious complications from flu if they get sick. (Such as a worsening in asthma attacks.)” – Brittany, The Domestic Geek

• “As a medic in the US Army we take our vaccinations very seriously. The average US Army soldier has had more vaccinations than the average person. One of those that we do yearly and without fail is the flu vaccination. With the ‘mission’ always our main focus, how can we do our job if our troops are sick with the flu? Early in October we get our flu vaccines and we vaccinate our entire company. We even vaccinate our pregnant soldiers. Getting vaccinated during pregnancy is safe and can protect the mother and the baby for up to 6 months after birth. We go through the training that is needed because every year something new is discovered. Every year the strain becomes a little different. Since I’m being protected, then why not my family? My kids get their vaccinations every year as well. It not only protects them but I feel a lot better knowing that they are protected.” – Ann-Marie, Growing Up Madison

• “…Last week my daughter was throwing up so much she ended up having to go to the hospital to get an IV. I did not want anyone else to get that sick or get the flu, so I decided it was time for us all to get our flu shots…It’s especially important for my family to get it, since we have young children who are at higher risk. Other high-risk people include pregnant women, people with asthma, diabetes, or heart and lung disease, and people ages 65 and older.  If you are high-risk and get the flu, you can get complications like pneumonia or worsening of existing health conditions which can lead to hospitalization or death.” – Heidi, Honeybear Lane

Do you get a flu shot each year? Here at The Motherhood, all of us do!