Today’s #HealthyHolidays ** post is from real-life patient from a few years ago, of whom I was rather fond (and she was always very happy to for me to share her thoughts on this).
Mary (not her name) was in her 70s and described herself as a “$h*t-stirrer” Every year, she insisted that her family coming over to visit – including her adult children and grand children – have their vaccines up-to-date, including their flu shots. Mary was the recipient of a kidney transplant, and she took that seriously, as a personal responsibility to honour the life of the organ donor by looking after that kidney very well. Hence, her annual commitment to annoying the family (and apparently this did stir up some stuff within the family) by insisting on having all those vaccines up-to-date.
If you have a Mary – or anyone like her in your life*** – get your flu shot in at least 2 weeks before the family gathering. And if you are vulnerable like Mary, definitely make your appointment soon. Many people are eligible for free flu vaccines (check HSE website) from GP or chemist. Children flu vaccines are free – and aren’t even needles: they are an easy-peasy squeezy spray up the nose!
**Healthy Holidays is a virtual advent calendar posting on simple and low cost/no cost evidence-based ways to look after your family’s physical and mental health this season.
***vulnerable people include newborns, those with chronic disease including #longcovid, immunosuppressed, those undergoing treatments for #cancer. Also, likely that auntie who doesn’t look great lately but tells you that her health is none of your business.
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