For those family and friends (known as my "herd" in terms of immunity)who spend time around me, it is almost time to receive your flu vaccines. Since my body is no longer able to amount an immune response to a flu vaccine, doctors ask that my close family and friends all be vaccinated. This is knows as "herd immunity". By everyone around me being vaccinated, the hope is I will be protected from contracting the flu from everyone. The flu would be a serious threat to me due to my level of immunosuppression, so I thank each one who will endure a vaccine for me. My doctor recommends that everyone be vaccinated around mid-November so that the vaccine will last the entire flu season.
A bit more on herd immunity from a leukemia website:
" 'Herd immunity' is particularly important for us. Even if we are personally not protected by the flu shot, if everyone around is protected, chances are better that we won’t catch the flu either. In other words, bug all your family members to make sure they get their flu shots. Their good health increases your own chances of avoiding the flu."
Lastly, remember never to take the Flu Mist (spray). It is a live vaccine, which would actually give me the flu.
Get vaccinated! Use hand sanitizer! Sneeze and cough in the bend of your arm! Wash your hands! Disinfect doorknobs, remote controls, faucets, keyboards, and other commonly touched surfaced in your homes, schools, and offices.
Let's all be flu-free this year!
2 comments:
I didn't realize mid-November was the prime time to get a flu shot...I've already had mine. Guess I'm a bit early. I'll have to remember that for next year. Thanks, Stacie!
Hi Stacie, I am sooooo glad that you are able to be nanny to little man. I have prayed that the Lord would give you the strength to continue. Donna
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