Are You More Likely To Get The Flu?

Where you work, whether your kids attend school or daycare and whether you smoke or not can all increase or decrease your odds of catching the flu. The flu shot is a smart idea for just about everyone, but if you are more at risk then you should make receiving the vaccine a top priority.

Are Your Kids In School Or Daycare?

If you're a parent with school-aged children, then you probably already realise how much easier it is to fall ill. Indeed, having that many children in close quarters means sharing a lot more germs - and those germs get brought home with your kids every single day. Every year when school starts up again, many people suffer from a bout of the flu; without a doubt, this is largely spurred on by contact with other children.

Do You Work Or Travel In Crowds?

The number of people that you come into contact with every day also plays a huge role in whether or not you are susceptible to the flu. If you spend a lot of time in airports for business travel - or if you simply work someplace where crowds are the norm - then you're being exposed to a lot more germs than the average person and your odds of contracting the flu are much higher. Flu vaccinations are a very good idea for someone who works in such conditions.

Do You Smoke?

Everyone knows that smoking is bad for your health. If you are a smoker, your odds of coming down with the flu are significantly higher than they would be if you didn't partake in the habit. Smoking weakens your immune system and makes you more susceptible to germs and illnesses in general.

Do You Work In The Health Care Field?

If you work in a hospital, a clinic or in virtually any type of health care profession, then you stand a much higher chance of becoming ill with the flu. Not only that, but you can inadvertently spread the flu to those who come to your facility for treatment, too. By protecting yourself with a flu shot, you're also protecting the health of the people who you are treating on the job.

Do You Belong To A High-Risk Group?

Certain groups of people are much likelier to come down with the flu. If you have one or more of the following conditions, then you are going to be more susceptible to contracting influenza: cystic fibrosis, chronic heart conditions, chronic metabolic diseases, immunosuppression, chronic suppurative lung disease, chronic renal failure or severe asthma. Consult with your doctor about the advisability of receiving the flu vaccination; in most cases, it will be highly advised and recommended in order to ward off illness.