Autumn is officially upon us, and that means it’s time for flu shots.
Dr. Tom Frieden, director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told the Huffington Postthat a flu vaccine is still the best way to protect yourself from coming down with the virus.
He noted that, if just five percent more Americans got flu shots, it would prevent about 800,000 illnesses and nearly 10,000 hospitalizations. There are two basic types of vaccines this year, one that protects against three strains of flu, and one that protects against four. The CDC doesn’t have a recommendation for which one to get—just get whichever shot is available. It’s most important to be vaccinated soon rather than holding out for one you might prefer. And there is one change this year. People who were counting on the nasal spray form of the vaccine will have to settle for a shot. Last year, the effectiveness of the spray raised concerns.