{
  "id": 11483979,
  "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-11483979",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-10-02T17:07:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/world/20261003/heres-why-experts-say-now-is-an-ideal-time-to-protect-yourself-from-flu"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "October brings flu season, prompting medical experts to encourage individuals to receive their flu vaccinations as soon as possible. The rationale behind this advice is clear: by getting a flu vaccination prior to the widespread spread of the virus, people can decrease their risk of falling ill. In addition to the flu shot, updated COVID-19 shots are now available, along with vaccines designed to protect vulnerable individuals from another potential winter threat known as RSV. While these infections can cause significant discomfort and lead to hospitalization for many, the CDC asserts that flu alone results in hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations in the U.S. each year and claims tens of thousands of lives annually.\n\nMedical professionals emphasize that while vaccination does not guarantee complete prevention of illness, it significantly reduces the risk of severe outcomes. Dr. Ryan Stanton, a representative of the American College of Emergency Physicians, aptly compares vaccination to wearing a seat belt in a car – it doesn't prevent accidents, but it certainly decreases the likelihood of facing a serious consequence in the event of an incident.\n\nTypically, fall vaccine recommendations are issued by the CDC and its independent advisory panel. However, this year, the panel is embroiled in a legal dispute, leaving the CDC without updated guidelines on flu vaccination. In response to this gap in advice, various medical groups, such as the American Academy, are stepping in to provide guidance during this uncertain period.",
  "summary": "It’s October and time for flu shots. Medical experts urge getting a flu vaccination soon, before influenza starts spreading widely — and to get up to date on protection against other fall respiratory viruses, too. Updated COVID-19 shots are available now, plus shots for people especially vulnerable to another winter risk called RSV. While these infections make many people feel miserable for a few…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "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",
        "published": "2026-10-02T10:23:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "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-11479947",
        "published": "2026-10-02T16:42:03.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}