Kristi Yamaguchi, Olympic gold medalist figure skater and winner of Dancing with the Stars, is the spokesperson for the American Lung Association’s “Faces of Influenza” campaign for the 2008 to 2009 flu season. She took some time to talk with me about the campaign, flu shots and protecting her family from this deadly virus.
What made you want to get involved with the Faces of Influenza campaign?
Yamaguchi: Actually, this is my third year involved with the “Faces of Influenza” campaign. What drew me to it was their mission. I’ve always been a firm believer in the flu shot and probably for over 20 years have been getting immunized every year. When I became a Mom for the first time, my doctor actually wouldn’t let me leave the hospital until I got the flu shot. I gave birth in October, so he knew through the flu season that I would have this infant. It just made me realize that this was a great way to help my family.
I didn’t realize that I was a “face of influenza” until this campaign came around. I figured if I didn’t realize that I should be getting immunized as well as my family, so many other people out there probably don’t think they fall in to the recommended category either.
Find Out If You Need a Flu Shot
As an Olympic gold medalist, professional figure skater and winner of Dancing With the Stars, you are obviously in fantastic shape. Why are you concerned about the flu?
Yamaguchi: Well, as a Mom it’s more for my family. I think as a Mom, you just want to keep your family healthy, and the flu vaccine is one of the easiest ways to do that. I think that people confuse the flu a lot with the common cold, and it’s not. It’s a lot more serious. If I can prevent a serious illness, I’ve got to do it.
Mothers usually end up making most healthcare decisions for their families. As the mother of two young children, do you have any advice for other Moms who aren’t sure if their kids should have a flu shot?
Yamaguchi: Well, if you don’t know and you feel uncomfortable, definitely ask your child’s pediatrician or healthcare provider, and see what they recommend. But the CDC does recommend that children between the ages of 6 months old and 18 [get the flu shot], so chances are your child falls in to that category.
Do Your Kids Really Need a Flu Shot?
Do you have any tips for making getting the shot easier on the kids? What do you do with your own kids to prepare them for their shots?
Yamaguchi: I just tell them that this is something that is going to help them stay healthy and Mommy doesn’t want them to get sick. I tell them it’s uncomfortable, but at their doctor’s office, they always get a balloon so it’s a good distraction for them.
Helping Kids Get Through Flu Shots and Immunizations
Have you or your kids ever had the flu? If so, how did it affect you?
Yamaguchi: Knock on wood, but it’s been years. I’m not sure if I can even remember the last time I had the flu. That’s why I’m part of this campaign, I truly believe in it.
Learn About the Flu and Its Symptoms
Is there anything that you want people to know about the "Faces of Influenza" campaign or about flu shots in general?
Yamaguchi: I think if there are any questions, you can go to facesofinfluenza.org. There is a wealth of information there. If you have questions there are answers, there is a flu clinic locator, and there are categories, so you can find out if you or someone you love should be immunized every year.
Are there any more events going on this year or have they all finished by now?
Yamaguchi: Yes, it’s actually not even the peak of flu season yet. That’s another question people often have, “Is it too late?” and it’s absolutely not. The peak of flu season is February to March, so we haven’t seen the worst of it yet. There is still time, and I have three more events that I’ll be going to, to help spread the word.
I would like to thank Ms. Yamaguchi for taking the time to talk with me about the "Faces of Influenza" campaign and the importance of protecting ourselves and our families against the flu.
