The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes that receiving a flu vaccination is important to protect yourself, family, and community from the flu. The CDC recommends that a yearly flu vaccination for everyone 6 month and older with occasional exception. Since it takes about two weeks for the vaccine to kick in, now is the time to get vaccinated. It is recommended to get vaccinated by the end of October.
According to the CDC, less than half adults in the US received a flu vaccine in recent years. Obviously, some of us still need convincing about the need for flu vaccination.
Paul Edward Sax, MD, is the Clinical Director of the Division of Infectious Diseases at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Sax lists five reasons to take the flu vaccination.
1. The flu is more serious than you may realize. The flu can be deadly. The following groups are at higher risk for serious illness from the flu:
· People with chronic conditions such asthma and diabetes.
· People with heart disease and those who have had a stroke.
· Adults 65 and older.
· Pregnant women.
· People who have HIV.
· People who have cancer.
2. The flu vaccine is the most effective way to prevent illness caused by seasonal influenza viruses. The effectiveness of the flu vaccine varies from year to year but the CDC estimates that the flu vaccine reduces the need for doctor visit from flu or flu complications by 61%.
3. You should receive a flu vaccine that is appropriate for your age and other risk factors.
4. Last year’s flu shot won’t provide adequate protection from the flu this year.
5. The flu vaccine is covered by many health plans.
Flu vaccination is the best way to prevent getting the flu, says Dr. Sax. He says that you cannot get the flu from the flu vaccine. For information on the flu vaccine visit https://www.cdc.gov/.
Chicken Taco Soup
2-3 chicken breasts
1 can pinto beans
2 cans black beans
1 can whole kernel corn
1 can Rotel
1 large can petite diced tomatoes
1 package taco seasoning
½ block Velveeta cheese
Boil the chicken breasts and shred. Combine diced tomatoes and Rotel together in a pot on low. Cut Velveeta cheese in chunks and add to the pot to melt. Stir often and keep on low so the cheese won’t stick. Once cheese is melted and combined, add the pinto beans, black beans, corn, taco seasoning, and chicken and stir together. Serve with tortilla chips and enjoy!
Submitted by: Nancy Malone, Night Owls FCE Club.
