Why Folks Like Me Really Need to Get Their Flu Shot

I don’t talk about my disorder very often, but I think it’s important to share if it helps someone else. If you’re concerned about your health, you’ll want to know why I get my flu shot yearly. @LungAssociation ad #IGotMyShot #IC

This post is made possible by the American Lung Association, in collaboration with Sanofi Pasteur as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

I don’t talk about this often (as if not talking about it would make it go away) but I have a blood clotting disorder. It’s a slang term for the condition, but it’s also called “sticky blood” and it means that my blood clots more readily than most. It affects about 5% of the population in the U.S. – according to my doctor.

Yeah, I know, you can’t tell by looking at me that I have a serious health issue but I do.

It’s hereditary. It’s in my genes.

I found out about my blood-clotting disorder when my husband and I were trying to start a family. You see, we’d get pregnant, and then we would miscarry. And it wasn’t until doctors diagnosed my condition and put me on a treatment plan that I was able to carry a viable pregnancy to term.

Treatment included daily injections of a blood thinner and progesterone. You can read more about the miracle of our first baby here: a preemie birth story.

We now have two beautiful miracle boys; thanks to the good Lord’s grace, countless prayers and the miracles of modern medicine.

So, it’s not lost on me to consider the importance of preventing illnesses that may put me at risk. Through research, I’ve learned that the flu (influenza) can worsen symptoms of chronic health conditions, such as lung or heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Multiple studies have shown an increased risk of heart attack and stroke in the few days following a flu infection. [With my condition, stroke is the thing I am most worried about]. That means the flu can be deadly for anyone, including adults 50 years of age and older who more often have one or more chronic health conditions.

Now is the time to do everything you can to help protect yourself. Your doctor can tell you all about the importance of getting a flu shot, and he/she can tell you what’s at stake when it comes to the flu.

One of the things I’m thankful for, at least when it comes to aging, is that not only am I older, I’m wiser too. I’m constantly reminded of how important it is to exercise, eat right, and get my flu shot every year.

I can’t erase my genetic inheritance, but I can take precautions to mitigate the risk that comes with it.

To find out where vaccines are available in your area, check out the Vaccine Finder on the American Lung Association’s GetMyShot.org.