Five Things To Know About Flu Vaccine

By Author: GC. Cowan
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Flu season is in full swing but much of the American public is still in the dark when it comes to understanding the health benefits of an annual flu vaccine.

Flu season is in full swing but much of the American public is still in the dark when it comes to understanding the health benefits of an annual flu vaccine. Public health officials report that each year far too many people make the decision to forego a flu vaccine. Here are five key things everyone should know in order to make an informed decision.

1. The flu vaccine does not cause the flu.

Some people skip the vaccine because they believe it could give them the flu, even though U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources has shown that the vaccine has been proven over a couple of decades to be safe and effective. The truth is, a flu vaccine protects you and those around you from getting sick.

2. Everyone should get a flu vaccine.

In past flu seasons, there has been confusion about flu shot recommendations, with some thinking only high-risk individuals like pregnant women and seniors should be vaccinated. All that has changed since ...
... expanded flu vaccination guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urge everyone aged six months and older to get a flu vaccine. The reason is simple: Flu vaccine saves lives.

3. Specific age groups are especially advised to get a flu vaccine.

People 65 years of age and older, pregnant women, young children, and people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma, chronic lung disease, neurological problems, or individuals with a compromised immune system are all at high-risk for catching the flu and are strongly encouraged to schedule an annual flu vaccine. A high-dose flu vaccine formulated for those aged 65 and older is also available for the upcoming flu season.

4. The flu is highly contagious– don’t take chances.

According to the CDC, “Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to five to seven days after becoming sick.”

Flu symptoms and severity can range from a bothersome cough, sore throat, and body aches to a fever with chills, fatigue and nausea. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should stay home from work or school to avoid infecting others. Unfortunately, that practice on its own will not halt the spread of flu since the virus is highly contagious even before the onset of symptoms. That’s just one more reason why getting a flu vaccine is so important.

5. The flu can be avoided.

The best way to avoid the flu is by getting vaccinated. The flu virus changes each year and even those who got a vaccine last season will want to protect themselves by getting a vaccine this year. With the coming 2012-13 flu season, getting a flu vaccine is the number one way to stop the infectious spread of influenza. Although flu season lasts from October through January, many flu clinics begin in September if the vaccine is available. Getting immunized early will keep you protected throughout flu season which often peaks in severity in January or later. Receiving an annual flu vaccine will not only protect you from getting the virus, it will safeguard loved ones, coworkers and friends.

According to the CDC, the flu is a serious infection, and when combined with pneumonia, it is the eighth leading cause of death in the U.S. The easiest and safest way to combat such frightening statistics is to get vaccinated. Call your healthcare provider and schedule your flu vaccine today.
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