{"id":4607,"date":"2017-11-29T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2017-11-29T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/prd-www.mccdn.io\/vitals\/?p=4607"},"modified":"2025-11-07T23:50:58","modified_gmt":"2025-11-07T23:50:58","slug":"flu-activity-increasing-in-washington","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/updates-www.mccdn.io\/vitals\/flu-activity-increasing-in-washington\/","title":{"rendered":"Flu activity is increasing \u2014 here\u2019s how to protect yourself","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"

Flu activity is low but increasing in our state, according to the Washington State Department of Health<\/a>.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s not too late to get your flu shot, the best protection against the flu. The more people who get vaccinated, the more who will be protected from the flu, including those with weaker immune systems such as older adults, very young children, pregnant women and those with chronic health conditions.<\/p>\n

Flu activity typically peaks between December and March.<\/p>\n

Why get the flu shot now?<\/h2>\n

If you haven\u2019t had a flu shot and you\u2019re exposed to the flu virus, you won\u2019t know for a day or two that you\u2019re sick \u2014 and during those two days, you\u2019re infectious.<\/p>\n

Even though flu activity is low in the United States right now, it\u2019s best to get your flu shot early to give it time to be effective.<\/p>\n

The flu vaccine contains inactivated flu virus, which cannot give you infection. This prompts an immune response \u2014 that is, your body recognizes something foreign and reacts by producing antibodies to get rid of it.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re later exposed to the live virus, your body will be able to recognize it and quickly launch an immune attack to kill the virus. This immune response takes a period of time to fully develop, which is why it\u2019s important to get the flu shot early.<\/p>\n

And because flu viruses are constantly changing, each year the vaccine is updated based on which influenza viruses are making people sick. That\u2019s why it\u2019s important to get a flu shot every year.<\/p>\n

Be sure to get a shot, not the nasal spray.\u00a0The FluMist vaccine is no longer recommended by the CDC because of concerns about its effectiveness.<\/p>\n

Who should get the flu shot?<\/h2>\n

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older.<\/p>\n

What else can I do to protect myself?<\/h2>\n

In addition to a flu shot, be sure to wash your hands regularly \u2014 it\u2019s one of the most effective steps against illness<\/a>. Also:<\/p>\n