With autumn under way, it’s time to start thinking about getting your yearly flu shot. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that flu shots are the single best was to prevent influenza. The CDC recommends that most people over 6 months of age receive a yearly flu shot. (See more information on seasonal flu vaccine at : CDC – Seasonal Influenza (Flu) – Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine .)
The flu vaccine is deemed safe for most people, but there are a very few who should not receive it due to certain medical conditions or egg allergies, so always consult your doctor first. The flu vaccine contains an inactivated killed virus and helps to protect from the three most common anticipated strains of the virus each year. Flu vaccines usually have very mild side effects.
After receiving the flu vaccine, within the next two weeks, your body will begin to develop antibodies against those selected influenza strains, protecting you from them.The best time to receive your flu shot is as early as when the yearly vaccines are received, up until the month of December. If given during this time frame, your body has time to develop the antibodies, usually before the yearly influenza outbreak occurs. Flu shots may continue to be given after this timeframe, but December is just a general guideline date.
A live nasal mist form of flu vaccine is also available, although because this form contains a live, weakened form of the virus, this form is not recommended for all people due to certain medical conditions they may have. Always consult your physician as to which choice is right for you or your child.
The main groups of people who should receive flu vaccines are the higher risk groups, which include pregnant women, children under the age of 5 (especially those ages 2 and under), people over age 50, those with certain chronic medical conditions and those who work in the health care profession. Household contacts and caregivers of anyone in the high risk groups should also receive the flu vaccine, along with any household contacts or caregivers of infants under 6 months of age who cannot receive the flu vaccine themselves.
Remember, the flu vaccine provides protection from actual influenza, not the variety of other stomach viruses people often refer to as “the flu.” So, if you happen to acquire one of those nasty stomach bugs, don’t feel that your flu shot failed you, because what you caught was something different.
Getting your annual flu shot is a great way to prevent illness and help ensure that you stay healthy this winter during flu season. With children enclosed in stuffy school classrooms with other kids who may be sick, it’s strongly advisable to have them vaccinated. You’ll most likely get your yearly cold and whatever other virus that is out there floating around, but you definitely can avoid the serious side effects of contracting influenza.