It’s flu season again. Every year, as the weather gets colder and the seasons change, New Yorkers start to come down with this familiar virus. But for many, influenza can have serious consequences. About 36,000 people die every year from influenza or influenza-related complications. Certain individuals—including adults over 50, pregnant women and health care workers—are more at risk and should do everything to prevent catching the virus.
Luckily, the city offers free and low cost flu shots to New Yorkers – easily the best way to protect yourself from getting the flu this season.
For those of you that don’t know, influenza, or the flu, is a viral infection of the nose, throat, bronchial tubes and lungs. It comes in two main types: Influenza A and Influenza B. Each type includes many different strains, which tend to change each year.
Vaccines help protect against the flu by injecting a very small amount of the virus into your system. The flu shot is safe for anyone older than 6 months, including healthy people and people with chronic medical conditions. About 2 weeks after vaccination, antibodies that provide protection against influenza virus infection develop in the body.
Get a Flu Shot
You can find a flu clinic near you by visiting the Flu Clinic Locater Site hosted by the American Lung Association.
For New Yorkers who do not have health insurance, as well as undocumented immigrants, primary health care is available at public Child and Family Health Clinics and Community Health Centers. At these clinics, "medical providers are not allowed to turn you away if you cannot pay for care or because of your immigration status." Payment, if any, is on a sliding scale and is determined by family size and income. You may pay absolutely nothing. If you qualify, staffers at these centers and clinics also will help you apply for public health insurance.
For additional information, call the NYC Department of Health's Flu Vaccination Information Line at 311 or the Office of the Public Advocate at 212-669-7250.
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