In the United States almost half of the population refuses to get a flu shot each year because they are afraid of the side effects, or they have heard myths that are untrue. Getting a flu shot has actually saved many people’s lives, as well as cut down the number of people who have been hospitalized because of the flu. Knowing the facts about the flu shot will help you to see that it is the best prevention, and there is really nothing to fear.
Can you get the flu after the flu shot? The simple answer is yes, you can. When you get a flu shot it can take up to two weeks for the vaccination to work. If you are exposed to the flu prior to, or just after, getting the shot you can still get the flu. It may help, however, in reducing the severity of the symptoms if this happens. This is why the CDC advises us to get our flu shots early.
Do you need a flu shot every year? Every year, a new vaccine is formulated that is based on the strains of flu that are prevalent. The flu shot does not offer long term protection, so it is important to get one yearly.
Can everyone get a flu shot? Because the serum is grown inside of eggs, people who are allergic to eggs and egg products should avoid the shot. In the elderly, those who have been diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome should not get the shot. Also, babies under the age of six months old should not be administered the vaccine.
Will you get the flu from the vaccine? This seems to be the biggest concern among those who are misinformed. The flu vaccine is a dead virus that will prompt your system to begin producing antibodies. Once these are established in your body, you are protected. During the period of time that your body is producing these antibodies you many have a low grade fever and other mild symptoms. These do not last long, and are much better than getting the flu.
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