So I’m sure you’ve all heard the talk about the importance of getting immunized against both the seasonal and H1N1 flu. Some of you may have already checked this off your list of things to do, but for others, getting the flu shot may not be a high priority. There is reason to be concerned though, as this season is expected to be particularly bad because there are two different kinds of flu circulating – the seasonal flu and the H1N1 flu.

I know some of you may be a little skeptical about getting a flu shot for one reason or another-possibly because you’ve never gotten the vaccine before. You may think “Why start now?” I was under the same impression that I would not need a flu shot this year because I had never received one before, and I usually made it through the season without getting sick. That all changed two weeks ago when I caught a cold. I realized that the germs this season are nasty and are spreading fast. I decided to get my seasonal flu shot this week. It wasn’t bad at all and I didn’t have any side effects from it. I’m going to get my H1N1 flu shot as soon as it’s available at my doctor’s office.

Getting the flu shot definitely is the way to go, and regular hand washing is still the #1 way of avoiding germs. My advice is to protect yourself and those around you by putting “Get vaccinated against the flu” at the top of your “To Do” list!

-Emily