ALERT: Flu season is here! Get your vaccination today!

The cold weather is here and the flu season is officially underway. Sadly, during the 2017-2018 flu season nearly 200 children died from influenza while thousands more were hospitalized. This, however, can be prevented. The flu shot is the most effective way to prevent influenza and its complications. Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that everyone 6 months of age or older should be vaccinated annually against influenza.

A common concern among our patients is whether or not the flu shot is harmful to patients with genetic heart rhythm disorders. Dr. Michael J Ackerman, a genetic cardiologist and the director of Mayo Clinic's Windland Smith Rice Genetic Heart Rhythm Clinic firmly believes that the benefits of getting immunized against the flu far outweigh the risks. Visit our previous post regarding the flu vaccination and genetic heart rhythm diseases to read more and watch a video Dr. Ackerman created to discuss the benefits of immunizations.

In addition to getting your flu shot, remember to practice good hygiene as another safeguard against the flu season.

• Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water
• Use an alcohol-based sanitizer on your hands if soap and water aren't available
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth whenever possible
• Avoid crowds when the flu is most prevalent in your area
• Get plenty of sleep, exercise regularly, drink plenty of fluids, eat a nutritious diet, and manage your stress

Helpful links:

• Learn more about the flu vaccine and flu season
• Visit the CDC website for key facts, benefits, and more information about the seasonal flu vaccine
• Find out where to get your vaccination locally