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As we move into fall, you might be feeling at the top of your game — you’ve made it a priority to exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet and get stress under control. Last summer, you barely had a sniffle. Plus, you’re one of those people who just doesn’t get sick very often. You might be wondering: Can I skip getting a flu shot?

An epidemic of chronic diseases continues to grow in the United States; half the population — an estimated 129 million Americans — have lifelong health conditions that need continuous medical attention and limit certain daily activities.

Whether your favorite summer activity is taking a long hike on a trail, catching waves at the beach or having fun at a backyard barbecue, the warmer temperatures generally mean more time spent outdoors in the sun. But because more exposure to sunlight means more exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet A and B rays, you need to take steps to protect yourself from cancer-causing ultraviolet radiation.

Vaccinations are a cornerstone of adult health, offering protection against multiple diseases that can affect quality of life and longevity. As we age, the immunity we gained from childhood vaccinations can wane, leaving us vulnerable to infections. Moreover, lifestyle changes, travel and age-related health changes introduce new risks that adult vaccinations can make less severe or painful.

In a surgical suite at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, a robotic arm snakes an ultra-thin, ultra-flexible tube through a patient’s airway. Once the tube reaches the lungs, the surgeon operating the device remotely uses a tiny camera to search the area for an abnormal growth, or nodule, that might be cancerous. Once located, a needle pierces the nodule for biopsy.

With the flu season upon us — along with fall allergies and new strains of COVID-19 — it can be hard to tell all the symptoms apart.

Learn the differences among symptoms and why getting the flu vaccine can help keep you and those around you safe.

Is it the flu?

The symptom checker outlines differences and similarities among flu, colds, COVID-19 and seasonal allergies.