A reminder to get your jab on Influenza Prevention and Awareness Day

First and foremost, whether you chose to get an influenza vaccine is entirely up to you. I am not here to tell you what jabs you should or shouldn't get. That is a personal decision. However, if you are in the habit of getting one, this post may serve as a reminder that it is a good time of year to get one. In Japan, it is not only common, but often recommended that you get a flu jab each winter.

October 1st annually is "Influenza Prevention and Awareness Day". The anniversary was established by KM Biologics Co. Ltd, headquartered in Kumamoto City, who you will not be surprised to hear, manufactures influenza vaccines! They established the anniversary, to reaffirm the importance of the prevention of getting the flu, including through influenza vaccination. 

The date was chosen as it is around this time every year that medical instiution's begin to widely offer influenza vaccinations. Vaccination is one way to prevent the onset and severity of the flu disease. In Japan, it is also believed that hand washing and gargling are effective. Adequate rest and nutrition are important to, to boost the body's immunity. In addition, in Japan, they promote mask wearing as a way to  prevent droplet infection.

Do you get the flu jab annually?