Winter is coming.
It may be commonly known as a Game of Thrones reference, but Chicago doctors are using the popular phrase to warn residents of the upcoming flu season.
Northwestern Children’s practice posted a video to their Facebook page, spoofing the hit HBO show in an attempt to encourage more people to get flu shots.
“It’s time to stop playing games and start thinking about getting a flu shot,” the video says.
The spoof features fake sword-fighting and toy dragons and has received more than 20,000 views since Wednesday.
“There are two forms of flu vaccine, an injection for children age six months to two years and a nasal spray for children over age 2 who do not have a history of wheezing,” an actor in the video explains.
Local
Beginning October 1, you can come in for a flu shot without an appointment at noon, seven days/ week. WE CURRENTLY ONLY HAVE THE INJECTED FORM, and will update this page when we have the nasal spray. Posted by Northwestern Children's Practice on Wednesday, September 30, 2015
The Chicago Department of Public Health is urging residents to get their flu shots now.
"The influenza vaccine actually takes two weeks to actually provide protection so getting it now is great," said Julie Morita, commissioner for the Chicago Department of Public Health.
Experts warn that even when people who are typically healthy get the flu, they put others who are more fragile at risk.
"Flu is a very dangerous disease," said Manijeh Ghafouri, Minuteclinic practice manager for Illinois.
Last year, Centers for Disease Control experts said the flu shot wasn’t as effective as it should be after a new strain of influenza started circulating, but experts said even a less effective vaccine could prevent hospitalizations and deaths, particularly among young people and children.
This year's vaccine, however, is different, according to Morita.
"The vaccines that are available this year made a change and so the strain that cause this last year will be covered this year," she said.
