Now Is The Time To Prep Against The Flu Advises NWH Doctor

MOUNT KISCO, N.Y. -- With the balmy summer temperatures gone, and the chill of winter not far off, now is the time to prep for the season's most unwelcome guest: the flu. Northern Westchester Hospital's Dr. Debra Spicehandler is the Co-Chief of infectious diseases, and advises on getting vaccinated before it is too late.

Dr. Debra Spicehandler, Co-Chief of Infectious Diseases at NWH.
Photo Credit: *Contributed*

John Haffey

Content Partner: Northern Westchester Hospital

Last year, it was reported that the annual shot was not effective in combating that year's particular virus, but this year should offer better protection, Dr. Spicehandler says.

"Developing the yearly flu vaccine is a complex process: Several months in advance of flu season, public health officials have to predict which strain of flu virus will be most prevalent come winter in order to give vaccine makers time to produce the nearly 180 million doses America requires. Occasionally, the predictions miss the target -- or the target moves."

Dr. Spicehandler also advises to get the shots sooner rather than later. "It takes about two weeks for immunity to kick in, and you want to be sure you have immunity before the virus starts circulating in your area."

To read the full blog post, learn about the benefits of immunization, and find out where you can get your flu shot, click here.