Flu Season is Fast Approaching
By Charles E. Taylor, MPH, MT (ASCP)
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that every family “vaccinate to protect you and your loved ones from the flu. Everyone six months of age and older should get a yearly flu vaccine.” Health experts state that getting a flu vaccine will prevent the onset of flu for yourself while also helping protect your family.
Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory disease that can lead to serious complications and even death. The annual flu season begins approximately in November and can continue through April. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for your body to develop an immune response; by getting vaccinated now you will be protected all season long.
Who Should Get Vaccinated?
As noted above, everyone six months of age and older should be
vaccinated. Additionally, certain individuals who at greatest risk of
contracting the flu are:
• People 65 years and older
• Children younger than five, and especially children younger than two years old
• People with certain chronic health conditions like asthma and COPD,
diabetes (Types I and II), heart disease, neurological conditions, and
certain other health conditions
• Pregnant women-flu shot only during any trimester. Nasal spray vaccine is not recommended!
Who should NOT get a flu vaccine? Children younger than six months are
not approved for this flu vaccination: vaccinate their care-givers
instead. If you are considering getting a flu vaccine and have a fever,
it is recommended by the CDC to wait until symptoms have passed prior to
getting vaccinated. Also, some people should not be vaccinated before
talking to their doctor, including:
• People who have a severe allergy to eggs
• People who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination in the past
• People who have developed Guillan-Barre syndrome (GBS) within six weeks of getting an influenza vaccine previously
When To Get Vaccinated?
As soon as possible! By doing so you will be provided with immunity
early in the season as well have added protection for the rest of the
flu season. Flu vaccines are available in doctor’s offices, clinics,
health departments, pharmacies, urgent care centers, and many employee
health services.
Types Of Flu Vaccines Available
Currently, there are two types of vaccine available:
• An inactivated (killed) vaccine, also referred to as the “flu shot,” which is administered into a muscle
• A live, attenuated (weakened) vaccine, usually in the form of a nasal mist that is sprayed into the nostril
Possible Side Effects Of The Flu Vaccines
Common side effects of the flu vaccine include:
• Soreness and tenderness at the site of injection
• Mild symptoms of flu, as the vaccine materials are prepared from killed or weakened virus
• Runny nose, cough, and nasal congestion after nasal spraying of vaccine material
Benefits Of Getting The Flu Vaccine
• Protection for yourself
• Protection for newborns and infants who are too young to be vaccinated
• Protection for people at high risk for complications from the flu
A flu vaccine reduces your risk of illness, hospitalization, or even
death. It also can prevent you from giving the flu to your loved ones.
Protect your family from the flu: Get vaccinated!
For more details on the flu and flu prevention, visit the CDC website at www.flu.gov or www.cdc.gov .
