By BobbieJo Paul, FNP, Provider/Health Coach, ATI Active Care
Every year we see advertisements telling us to get a flu shot. How important is the flu shot though and should we really get one?
Whether you get a flu shot every year or you’re debating on getting one for the first time, it is important to get one. The flu, known as influenza, is caused by a virus and both influenza A and B types are very contagious respiratory illnesses in humans.
Because there are many strains of the flu and the ability of the virus to mutate, the flu vaccine is developed based on the strains that are predicted to be the main causes of illness during the flu season. Typically, a flu vaccine covers 3 or 4 strains of flu each year and is often effective in keeping many people from becoming ill, being hospitalized or dying.
NOW is the time to protect yourself from the flu.
Because the strains that are predicted to cause illness may be different from year to year, and last year’s flu shot is no longer effective, you need to get the flu shot every year. While it is especially important for those who provide health care or are in contact with young children or elderly to protect themselves and others by getting vaccinated, it is recommended that anyone aged 6 months or older get one.
The flu is a respiratory disease that is easily transmitted by coughing, sneezing or talking. Also, if the virus is on a surface you touch and then you touch your mouth, nose or eyes without washing your hands you can become infected.
The flu infects the airways, nose, throat, and lungs. Typical symptoms include:
- Fever/chills
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Body aches
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Sometimes, a person can also have stomach issues including vomiting and diarrhea
A person is contagious one day before they start experiencing symptoms and they remain contagious for up to 5-7 more days while having symptoms.
It is important to know that the flu vaccine does not give someone the flu and that the shot is given at a time when other colds and illnesses are starting to circulate. Some people feel that they got sick because of the flu shot due to the fact that they may have already been exposed to an illness but didn’t experience any symptoms until after they received the shot. This is merely a coincidence, since it can take a few days for symptoms to arise and they may have received the shot just before their symptoms started. The best thing to do is wash hands well and get the shot when you are not feeling ill. Remember that a reactions such as soreness at the spot of the shot, a slight increased temperature, or a pink spot at the injection site are normal body responses to most shots, not just the flu shot. Anytime you experience something you are not sure of call your provider to discuss.
By getting the flu shot you do several things:
- Reduce the risk of becoming seriously ill
- Reduce the risk you bringing the illness to your friends and family
- Reduce the chance of passing the illness to a person who cannot be vaccinated due to age, allergy or a health condition that prohibits getting the vaccine
Prevention is the best way to stay healthy. Get your flu shot, wash your hands frequently, cover your mouth and nose when sneezing and coughing, and stay home if you are ill with a contagious illness. If you have flu symptoms, seeing your provider quickly is important. To provide benefit, the antiviral medication needs to be started during the first two days of the illness. Antibiotics do not treat the flu and antivirals are used to reduce the severity of symptoms and length of time you have the flu.