This post is made possible by the American Lung Association, in collaboration with Sanofi Pasteur as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.
Do you remember that ad campaign?
I’m not getting older, I’m getting better! It’s true, just like a fine wine, I’ve aged well.
- I don’t have a lot of wrinkles
- My weight is under control
- I’m healthy
- I’m happier than I’ve ever been
I’m doing pretty darn good for 65
But, don’t let looks fool you. It takes work to maintain your life after 50. I eat right and exercise, I use anti-aging products and masks on my skin, I have a passion for travel and I pursue it, I keep busy with blogging, I see my doctor for check-ups and get my flu shot every year.
Wait, I thought you said you were doing good.
Why get a flu shot if you’re healthy? It’s one of those things that keep me healthy and going great. You see, the flu can worsen symptoms of chronic health conditions, such as lung or heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Multiple studies have shown an increased risk of heart attack and stroke within the few days following a flu infection….that’s right a HEART ATTACK or STROKE. That means the flu can be deadly for anyone, especially adults 50 years of age and older who more often have one or more chronic health conditions.
Protect yourself NOW
As part of my healthy lifestyle, I do everything I can to help protect myself. If you want to live your best life, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. He/She can tell you all about the importance of getting a flu shot, and so will JoJo, who’s learned what’s at stake when it comes to the flu.
I left the “I got this” attitude behind
I could easily have thought that I’m healthy, so I don’t need to get a flu shot. It’s not like I work with the public. Flu vaccination helps to protect you as well as the people around you, including babies and young children who are more vulnerable to serious flu-related illness. You don’t want to pass the flu on to your husband/wife or GRAND-CHILDREN.
Plus, showing others that you’ve gotten your flu shot is a great way to teach them that it’s as important as covering your cough with your elbow, washing your hands often and staying home when you are sick to prevent the spread of germs.
Remember that the flu shot is NOT a cure-all
While you could get the flu after getting your flu shot, getting your vaccination could help make your symptoms milder and help you avoid or reduce hospitalization stay or more severe complications. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting a flu shot every year. Annual vaccination is important as the body’s immune response from vaccination declines over time and the circulating flu viruses – and flu shot formulation – can vary from year to year.
Not sure where to get your flu shot?
It’s SUPER easy (I got mine at my local pharmacy). Go to the American Lung Association’s GetMyShot.org for a list of locations and don’t forget to also talk to your health care provider about it.
