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Every year, about October or November, you begin hearing about flu shots. Some people do not think that they need a flu shot, but the facts show differently. Every year in the United States, on average:
5% to 20% of the population gets the flu;
more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, and;
about 36,000 people die from flu
Q: How do I know if I need a flu shot?
A: Anyone who would like to be vaccinated against the flu can get a flu shot. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) establishes guidelines of who should be vaccinated yearly. The high-risk group is at a greater risk for contracting the flu or having serious complications from the flu itself. The CDC recommends the following people be vaccinated yearly due to the high risk of complications from the flu:
People 65 years and older;
People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities that house those with long-term illnesses;
Adults and children 6 months and older with chronic heart or lung conditions, including asthma;
Adults and children 6 months and older who needed regular medical care or were in a hospital during the previous year because of a metabolic disease (like diabetes), chronic kidney disease, or weakened immune system (including immune system problems caused by medicines or by infection with human immunodeficiency virus [HIV/AIDS]);
Children 6 months to 18 years of age who are on long-term aspirin
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therapy. (Children given aspirin while they have influenza are at risk of Reye syndrome.);
Women who will be pregnant during the influenza season;
All children 6 to 23 months of age;
People with any condition that can compromise respiratory function or the handling of respiratory secretions (that is, a condition that makes it hard to breathe or swallow, such as brain injury or disease, spinal cord injuries, seizure disorders, or other nerve or muscle disorders).
Flu shots are also recommended for people 50-64 years of age and for anyone having contact with people who are at high-risk for flu complications.
Q: What are the side effects of the flu vaccine?
A: The flu vaccine will NOT give you the flu, as some people think, but there are a few side effects to be aware of. The side effects are minor and will go away 1 or 2 days after the shot:
Pain or aching at the site of the shot
Fever
Fatigue
Weakness
Muscle aches
Many of these side effects, if they occur, can be minimized with over-the-counter TylenolTM (acetaminophen) but be sure to ask your pharmacist or physician first!
Q: Can I only get the flu shot during October or November?
A: NO! October and November are the best times to get your flu shot, but getting a flu shot in December or later can still be beneficial. The flu season starts as early as October and can run
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as late as May.
Q: Are there people who should NOT get a flu shot?
A: Yes, there are a few people who should consult their physician before getting a flu shot. The list is as follows:
People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs.
People who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination in the past.
People who developed Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) within 6 weeks of getting an influenza vaccine previously.
Children less than 6 months of age (influenza vaccine is not approved for use in this age group).
People who have a moderate or severe illness with a fever should wait to get vaccinated until their symptoms lessen.
Be sure to sign up early to get your flu shot. There are many places that offer flu shots--be sure to ask your pharmacist or physican as to where you can get yours. Just a simple vaccination once a year could save your life! For more information, go to www.cdc.gov/flu.
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