As the colder months approach, viruses and sickness become prevalent and inevitable. One particular virus, influenza, also known as the flu, arises during these months. It is typically known as flu season. The flu is a respiratory infection that can cause complications, especially to young children, and seniors. This virus adapts to the flu vaccines that are produced every year, which is why a new flu shot is created every year. Knowing the pros and cons of the vaccine is important so you can determine if it is right for you and your family.
The flu shot is said to be effective against the flu illness by 40 to 60 percent of the time during flu season. It will work for some, and for some it will not. If you do receive the shot, and you still catch the flu, then the shot is said to at least reduce the severity of the symptoms.
Who Should Get It
The CDC states that people who should receive these vaccinations annually are those who will benefit from it most. Anyone from the age of 6 months and older are able to get the vaccination. If you are pregnant then the flu vaccine is important to avoid high risks from contracting the flu. Chronic medical conditions can increase your chances of the flu complications. Such chronic conditions include asthma, cancer, diabetes, obesity, kidney or liver disease, and COPD.
Who Should Not Get It
If you are allergic to eggs, then it would be wise not to get the flu shot. Most of the vaccines contain a small amount of egg protein in them. Also if you had a bad reaction to the flu vaccine before, then you should not get it again.
Why Do You Have To Get One Every Year?
Doctors encourage people to get the flu shot every year because the virus evolve quickly. Not only that, but if you receive the shot one year, the antibodies your body produces decline over time. So by the next year, those antibodies will not be able to fight the virus, which is why they advise you to get another shot.
A lot of people think that once you receive the flu vaccine, that it will give you the flu. This is not true, but you can develop flu-like symptoms because your body’s reaction to it. It takes about 2 weeks for the shot to take effect so in that time frame, you may still catch the flu virus. And although the CDC suggests older people to get the shot, studies have shown different cases. Older people with weaker immune systems will have a lower protective immune response after the vaccine. A weakened immune system will increase the odds of getting the flu.
A record breaking number of kids died in the U.S. from the flu this year, a total of 110. As the season approaches, it is dire to either decide to give the vaccine to your family, or seek other ways to prevent it. Once a person catches the flu, monitor them, and take them to the doctor if symptoms do not improve.