I Got the Flu Vaccine Because...

By: Dr. Diane Arnaout, MD, Cook Children's Physician Network

Instagram: @drdianearnaout

I got the flu vaccine.

I got it because it doesn't really matter how early or how late in the season you get it - you just get it.

I got the flu vaccine. And it might not stop me from getting the flu. It didn't last year. And that’s okay.

I got the flu vaccine because while I may still catch it, it will reduce my chance for severe disease.

I got the flu vaccine because it will reduce my chances of needing to be hospitalized with the flu (and has the same affect in children).

I got the flu vaccine because study after study shows it reduces deaths, intensive care unit

(ICU) admissions, ICU length of stay, and overall duration of hospitalization among hospitalized flu patients.

I got the flu vaccine because i've seen what the flu can do. I've worked in the ICUs and ERs. I'm not here to fear monger - just trust me on this one. Influenza is a cruel virus and anyone can be a victim.

I got the flu vaccine because I know I can’t catch the flu from it. I may ache for a day or two and even have a fever - but that just means my body is doing its job, and building my army.

I got the flu vaccine to protect my staff.

I got the flu vaccine to protect my kids.

I got the flu vaccine to protect YOUR KIDS.

I've gotten my flu vaccine every year for the past 19 years and I have gotten the flu one time in those 19 years (despite it literally being coughed in my face daily). Great protection or great luck - I'm going to keep getting it because I like those odds.

I got the flu vaccine because in a world where humans are striving for things to be more "natural" - there is NOTHING MORE NATURAL than the wrath and devastating effects of a virus, especially this virus.

I got the flu vaccine because it's all we've got.