I have a question, Waldo fans. How come lots of people get the flu every year, but I don’t? Because I always get a flu shot! Flu shots sound scary, but all you feel is a quick tiny pinch. That’s a lot better than feeling super yucky for a week!

Flu shots contain flu vaccine – the medicine that helps our body fight off the flu. In some cases, doctors give people a form of the vaccine they can inhale, but most people need to get a shot.

Flu season can start as early as October and last until May. It takes about two weeks before the vaccine protects us from the flu, so doctors and nurses are starting to vaccinate people now.

It’s a good idea to get vaccinated every year. That’s because the viruses that cause the flu change every season, so you need a different vaccine to fight them. This year’s vaccine protects against three different kinds of flu viruses.

People sometimes call viruses bugs, but they’re actually tiny invisible particles. If you breathe flu viruses or touch your mouth after getting them on your hands, they start to multiply inside your body and can make you very sick. Flu viruses cause fevers, coughs, sore throats, headaches and other yucky stuff.

During flu season, you should wash your hands more than ever, avoid close contact with people who have the flu and never share personal items such as forks, towels and toothbrushes. The best protection, though, is to get your flu shot.

I got my flu shot already. How about you? Your parents can ask your doctor or nurse where to go or find more information on the Seattle Children’s website.

Until next time, so long!