It is “Flu” Time Again!!

Why Get Vaccinated?
Influenza, better known as the “flu” is a contagious viral disease that comes around every year, usually between October and the latest month being May. It is spread mainly by coughing, sneezing and close contact with an infected person. It can happen suddenly and can last up to 5 days. Anyone can be the victim of the “flu”. The #1 way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated each year. The symptoms of the flu can include fever, headache, extreme tiredness, aches, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing and vomiting.

Flu is more dangerous for infants, people over 65, pregnant women and those people who have a chronic illness or compromised immune system. Flu can lead to serious complications of pneumonia and blood infections. Children may have diarrhea and may have seizures. Thousands of people die each year from the flu. Flu season of 2017 contributed to 80,000 deaths. Thousands more were hospitalized.

Flu Vaccine

The flu vaccine can keep you from getting the flu, if you do get the flu it can be less severe and you can help to decrease the risk of spreading the flu to others. There is NO live virus in the flu vaccine so the vaccination cannot cause the flu. However, each year there are many influenza viruses and the vaccination is not able to cover all of them. It takes about 2 weeks after the flu shot before protection occurs but it will last throughout the flu season.

Risks of a Vaccine Reaction

People with severe reaction to eggs or a previous flu shot reaction, those with a history of Guillain –Barre Syndrome should not be vaccinated.

There is always a chance of reactions to vaccines but most are minor and many have no symptoms at all. You may have soreness/redness at the injection site, low grade fever, upper respiratory symptoms, body aches or headache. These usually begin right after the shot and are gone in 1-2 days. If you feel you are having a serious reaction you should call your doctor or if necessary 911.

Prevention Methods
 Avoid close contact
 Stay home when you are sick
 Cover your mouth and nose
 Clean your hands
 Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth

Written by Nancy Dean, Health and Wellness Manager