{
  "id": 11414987,
  "title": "Here’s why experts say now is an ideal time to protect yourself from flu",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/heres-why-experts-say-now-is-an-ideal-time-to-protect-yourself-from",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-10-02T10:23:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Winnipeg Free Press",
    "slug": "winnipeg-free-press",
    "url": "https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/life/2026/10/02/heres-why-experts-say-now-is-an-ideal-time-to-protect-yourself-from-flu"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Medical professionals are emphasizing the importance of getting a flu shot soon, before the flu season intensifies. They also recommend staying up to date with vaccinations against other respiratory viruses, such as COVID-19 and RSV. While a flu shot does not guarantee complete prevention from illness, it significantly reduces the risk of severe outcomes. Dr. Ryan Stanton from the American College of Emergency Physicians explains that vaccination works much like a car seat belt, decreasing the risk of the worst outcomes.\n\nThe American College of Emergency Physicians, along with other medical societies, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the Infectious Diseases Society of America, have issued vaccination guidelines for their patient populations. These guidelines are based on scientific evidence and the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, though the CDC's guidance is currently being contested in court.\n\nFlu vaccination is advised for everyone, starting from age 6 months, with particular emphasis on high-risk individuals such as people over 65, pregnant women, young children, and those with chronic health conditions including asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and weak immune systems. During the last two flu seasons, there were unusually high numbers of child fatalities, all of which occurred in unvaccinated children. Despite not being 100% effective in preventing flu infections, vaccines do help prevent the most serious consequences, reducing hospitalizations in older adults by 31%, according to the Vaccine Integrity Project, a public health group from the University of Minnesota.\n\nThere are various flu vaccine options available, including \"enhanced\" vaccines designed for seniors and a new mRNA-based vaccine specifically approved for individuals aged 50 and above. For those who are hesitant about receiving a flu shot, a nasal spray vaccine, FluMist, is available for people aged 2 to 49, provided they meet certain health criteria.\n\nCOVID-19 vaccinations are also recommended, especially for high-risk groups such as seniors and individuals with underlying health conditions. The American Academy of Family Physicians advises all adults to get a COVID-19 vaccination, with a fall dose followed by a second dose six months later to maintain immunity. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends COVID-19 vaccination for all children aged 6 months to 23 months, and for older children with high-risk conditions. It also supports vaccination for any child whose parents wish to do so.\n\nCommon side effects of flu and COVID-19 vaccines include mild and temporary symptoms such as sore arms, fatigue, headaches, muscle aches, and a mild fever. While both types of vaccines are readily available, the method of administration may vary depending on the location. However, both flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be obtained at pharmacies, with some pharmacies even offering COVID-19 shots without a prescription. Medicare covers the fall vaccines, and most private health insurers plan to continue covering them through 2027.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Experts recommend getting flu shot soon to prevent severe outcomes.",
    "Multiple medical societies issue vaccination guidelines based on CDC recommendations.",
    "Flu vaccination reduces hospitalizations in older adults by 31%."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}