Now I know you think you're healthy and question the reasoning behind the need to get a flu shot.
The flu shot isn't just a good idea for high risk individuals. And it's a great idea for freelancers and their families.
How's the state of your wallet and bank account? I know that given the recent economy that my financial situation isn't a flush as it once was. Can you afford to get sick and loose work? Do you get paid sick days? If not, then you probably can't afford to get sick.
The flu shot is kinda like getting some insurance against catching the flu and being sick and not being able to take that next job. Getting a flu shot can reduce your risk of getting the flu by up to 70%! Don't risk it. Get a flu shot.
Sounding like a good idea but still not convinced? Have questions? It's been all over the news and media but if you haven't been listening or live under a rock here is the link to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) where you can find key facts about the seasonal flu vaccine - And for pete's sake NO YOU CAN'T GET THE FLU BY GETTING THE VACCINE. Geez, you'd think this was the dark ages sometimes! Really, people! But don't just take it from me, go this link and see for yourself . . . www.cdc.gov/FLU/protect/keyfacts.htm
So now that your convinced you should get the vaccine - and all freelancers should strongly consider it, especially if you work in the healthcare/pharma sector - here are some places you can get vaccinated cheaply:
For those of you living in Camden County NJ, your board of freeholders gives out FREE flu shots to residents. Here's the link to the schedule.
http://www.camdencounty.com/health/healthserv/flu_sched.html
If you live in Philadelphia you can get a flu shot for $24, available starting 9/3/09 at:
PhillyFluShots.com 215.587.6266
http://www.phillyflushots.com/?gclid=CJaJgZHNip0CFc9D5god8Xd03g
And if you live any where else, in addition to your doctor's office you can get a flu shot cheaply and easily at one of the following:
CVS - Minute Clinic
www.MinuteClinic.com
Note: They are giving away a $100 coupon book with every flu shot and have other online cost saving incentives.
Walgreens $24.99
wws.walgreens.com
Target - Target Pharmacy
To find one near you . . .
http://sites.target.com/site/en/spot/page.jsp?title=flu_search&ref=tgt_adv_XSHA2959&AFID=googlestr&CPNG=flushots&LNM=flu_shots&LID=
In addition to getting the shot, here's what you can do to stay healthy:
•Stay informed. The CDC website is updated regularly as information becomes available.
•The flu is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people - learn how to cough or sneeze appropriately to minimize spreading germs (see below)
•Take everyday actions to stay healthy such as the following:
••Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
••Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Use alcoholized hand santizers only when necessary. They are also effective but overuse is believed to contribute to the development of drug-resistant virus strains.
••Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
••Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. For freelancers this is especially difficult since we are prone to working when sick because we don't get paid for sick days. This is why you should get the flu shot. You can't afford to stay home!
••Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
••Find healthy ways to deal with stress and anxiety (stress and anxiety are believed to weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to illness).
••Call 1-800-CDC-INFO or visit their website www.cdc.gov for more information.
So now that I've done the work and research for you and made it easy as pie, there is no reason why you shouldn't go get your flu shot.
May your autumn be filled with good health, happiness and prosperity.
