FLU VACCINE

What is the flu?

The flu is caused by a virus called influenza, which affects the nose, throat, and lungs. Common symptoms of the flu are high fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, muscle aches, malaise, and fatigue. The flu is relatively common, and usually self-limiting. However, in certain extreme cases, the flu can be life threatening, especially for children, the elderly, and other high risk groups. The flu shot is a very important way to protect those at risk from getting the flu.

Who should get the flu shot?

Specifically, it is advised by the CDC that certain groups of people be immunized against the flu every year. In particular, the CDC mandates the following groups be immunized (from the CDC website):

• Persons at high risk for influenza-related complications and severe disease, including
  • children aged 6-59 months,
  • pregnant women,
  • persons aged ≥ 50 years,
  • persons of any age with certain chronic medical conditions; and
• Persons who live with or care for persons at high risk, including
  • household contacts who have frequent contact with persons at high risk and who can transmit influenza to those persons at high risk and
  • health-care workers.

How does the flu vaccine work and when should I get it?

The best way to avoid getting the flu is to get the influenza vaccine each fall, before the flu season. The CDC advises that those people in high risk groups may begin to get vaccinated as early as September. Other people may get the vaccine starting in October. The vaccines work by exposing your immune system to the flu virus. Your body will build up antibodies to the virus to protect you from getting the flu. The flu shot contains dead viruses. Contrary to popular belief, you cannot get the flu by receiving the flu shot. That being said, some people who get the vaccine will still get the flu, but they will usually get a milder case than people who aren't vaccinated.

Who should get the flu shot?

The vaccine is especially recommended for people who are more likely to get really sick from flu-related complications. There are only 3 situations in which a flu vaccine should not be given. The first is if you have ever had an allergic reaction to eggs. The second is if you have ever had an allergic reaction to the flu shot in the past (which is rare), and the third is if you have had a condition called Guillan-Barre syndrome within the 6 months prior to the time when you would be receiving the flu shot.

If I get the flu shot, can I still get the flu?

It must be emphasized that even with a flu vaccine, you aren't completely protected from getting the flu. The flu shot is usually effective 70-90% of the time in preventing the flu illness. Older individuals have a less effective vaccination rate. However, receiving the flu vaccine better prevents complications from the flu virus, which often can be fatal, particularly in the elderly. It also decreases symptom duration and severity and can prevent many days missed from work.

What are side effects of the flu shot?

The flu vaccine is safe with very few side effects. If you got the flu shot, your arm may be sore for a few days. You may have a fever, feel tired or have sore muscles for a short time. Further, it is recommended that women who will be pregnant during flu season get the shot. Pregnancy can increase your risk for complications from the flu. It is also safe to get the flu shot while breast feeding your baby. The flu shot cannot cause you or your nursing baby to get sick.