This post is sponsored by The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, but all opinions are my own. 

We’ve all been through the ringer this year with the pandemic, and it’s so important to stay healthy going into this winter season. I am keeping up with my health checklist by eating immunity boosting foods, staying active, and getting my annual flu shot. I want to share my story about why I get the flu shot every year.

Back about a decade ago, when I was a 20-something who thought they were immune to everything, I decided to roll the dice and not get a flu shot one winter. I thought the flu was similar to a cold, and since I was young and healthy, I would be OK. Daring the flu is never a good idea. A few weeks later I came down with what I thought was a head cold, but after being completely fatigued to the point I couldn’t get out of bed, I realized I had the flu. I was getting the worst headaches due to sinus congestion, horrible body aches, and had no appetite or energy. It took me more than a week and a half to recover, and I’m thankful I did – but I never want to put myself at risk for that scenario again. The following flu season and each season since, I’ve made it a point to get my flu shot.

The flu vaccine is safe, effective and protects everyone. The flu shot cannot cause the flu – it does not contain the live virus. I believe an annual vaccination is a crucial step in protecting ourselves and our families from getting sick, and one thing we can do to help prevent a hospital stay. Last year in Michigan, there were more hospitalizations for the flu, than students at Michigan State University just to put it into perspective. At a time when our healthcare system is already stressed, we need to avoid outbreaks of preventable diseases like the flu. Under normal circumstances, I volunteer at a local hospital with my therapy dog. It is a requirement to get a flu shot in order to do my job! It protects me and protects the patients and staff. Even though I’m not at the hospital this year, I still want to do everything I can to protect frontline workers.

This year, the flu shot was a family event. My husband received his for the first time! My kids were telling him all about the process on the way to our local Walgreens. We didn’t need to make an appointment, although you can – and it took less than 15 minutes. We all received our warrior band-aids and made our way home.

After having a baby boy in July, I want to do everything I can to protect him. The flu vaccine helps protect women during and after pregnancy. A number of studies have shown that in addition to helping protect pregnant mamas, a flu vaccine given during pregnancy helps protect the baby from flu infection for several months after birth. Since babies younger than 6 months can not receive the vaccine, it’s important to get vaccinated during pregnancy. By getting our entire family vaccinated, we are helping protect him as well, since he is too young to get the shot. If we can stop the virus from getting into our home, we can help keep him safe.

It takes up to two weeks after you get the flu shot for your body to build up enough of an immunity to prevent the flu. Since we are just heading into the flu season, it’s the perfect time to get your shot. In several studies, a flu vaccination has been shown to reduce the severity if you do get sick.

With the COVID-19 Pandemic, getting a flu shot is one way to guard yourself against illness and protect your loved ones. We are all overwhelmed with virtual school, working from home, and the pandemic that we should do what we can to lessen stress. As a parent, it’s completely normal to have questions about your child’s healthcare. You can go to IVaccinate.org or speak to your child’s doctor. You can also learn more here. I’m happy my family and I have checked off our flu shots for this year! Cheers to 2021.