Influenza, or the flu, is an upper respiratory illness caused by a virus that affects the nose, throat, and lungs. The flu is contagious and spreads through droplets from an infected person when they sneeze, cough, or talk.

 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these droplets can travel up to 6 feet, and can land in your nose or mouth. You can also pick up the virus from touching infected surfaces or objects and then touching your eyes or nose.

 

Symptoms of the flu can include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle or body aches, and headaches. In extreme cases, influenza can lead to pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses and may require hospitalization.

 

The symptoms of flu are very similar to those of COVID-19, so if you are feeling unwell, you should get tested and start on the appropriate medication, as determined by your doctor.

 

The flu causes seasonal epidemics every year. As summer ends, and we enter flu season, getting a flu shot is the best way to protect yourself against the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months and older be vaccinated. The vaccine helps to:

• significantly reduce your likelihood of getting the flu;
• reduce the number of flu-related deaths;
• protect women and babies during and after pregnancy and
• reduce hospitalizations.

 

Getting a flu shot protects you, as well as your family and community. This is especially important for those at higher risk for complications caused by the flu. People at higher risk include those who are 65 years and older, people who are pregnant, and people with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease.

 

There are many free or low-cost options for receiving the flu vaccine. Once again, Montefiore has teamed up with Walgreens to offer free or low-cost vaccinations on these dates:

• Saturday, Sept. 25, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at RCCG Tabernacle of Restoration, 4640 Furman Avenue
• Sunday, Oct. 3, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 1253 Shakespeare Avenue
• Sunday, Oct. 10, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 832 E. 166^th Street
• Sunday, Oct. 17, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Simon Stock Church, 2191 Valentine Avenue
• Sunday, Oct. 24, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, 627 East 187th Street

 

While most people should get a flu vaccine every year, some people should stay away from certain types of flu vaccines, or should not be vaccinated, based on their age, health status, and whether they have certain allergies. If you have questions about which flu vaccine is right for you, talk to your doctor or other health care professional.

 

This flu season, protect yourself, your family, friends, and community by getting a flu vaccination. Also, according to the CDC, it is safe to get the flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time, so make sure you are protected against both viruses this year.

 

Sharon Adeniyi is a student at Hunter College and an intern in the Office of Community and Population Health at Montefiore Health System.