Any season that contains the word shot in it is not a season I get excited about. I prefer the seasons that mention words like joy, giving, and candy.
But, ever since my son was diagnosed with asthma and shown to have a weak immune system my family has had to embrace Flu Shot Season.
Influenza (commonly called the flu) is a respiratory illness that is caused by influenza viruses. According to The Center for Disease Control and Prevention CDC, “each year in the United States, on average 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu; more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, and; about 36,000 people die from flu.”
Anyone who has ever had the flu can tell you it is not something they want to experience again. Unfortunately, because the viruses change every year, you can have the flu year after year. By getting a flu shot you can decrease your chances of getting and spreading the virus.
The flu shot is comprised of 3 influenza virus strains (Two A strains, H3N2 and H1N1 and one B strain) that are determined by the World Health Organization (WHO) to be the most likely strains to make people sick for the coming year.
This year the flu shot contains 3 new strains.
Since the flu vaccine takes about 2 weeks to start working, it is recommended that you get your shot early, before flu season hits. This is especially important for children, elderly adults, and those that are exposed to numerous people such as health care workers, teachers, daycare providers, and civil workers.
If shots are not your thing, you may want to consider FluMist.
FluMist is the nasal flu vaccine that is approved for healthy people ages 2 to 49, no shot required. Since FluMist is a weakened form of a live influenza virus it is not suitable for everyone so check with your doctor before getting it.
I know that people have concerns about vaccines of any kind; the CDC has an informational page listing the Key Facts about Seasonal Flu Vaccine that does a very good job addressing such concerns.
In addition to getting the Flu Shot, there are other preventive actions you can take to decrease your chances of getting and spreading the Flu.
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Wash your hands and your children’s hands often.
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Disinfect commonly touched items like door knobs, phones, keys, computers, and toys.
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Cough and sneeze into the crook of your arm.
Another source of good Flu related information is Web MD. They have a short, to the point Flu Shot Tip Sheet that is worth reading.
Getting the flu shot may not be an enjoyable experience but neither is being in bed for 7 to 10 days with the Flu.
Pictures and information via Center for Disease Control website and Flumist.com.
When Lena is not writing for Blissfully Domestic she is writing about her family, life, and thoughts at Over Coffee.
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Remember not everyone should get a flu shot. For one if you have an egg allergy (as I do) don't get a flu shot! They are not for everyone and do have risks. Make sure you read all the info not just the good.
Good point! Thank you for pointing that out. That was an oversight on my part not to include that information