Influenza Vaccines
Don’t Catch The Flu Bug!
The flu bug usually hits about at the end of the year. The
annual outbreak can be mild or severe, and it may last up
to anywhere from two to five months.
Symptoms of the flu often copy the symptoms of a bad cold,
which includes a high fever and severe muscle aches and fatigue.
Complications can arise from the flu could be hospitalization
or even death. The best treatment for the flu is to prevent
it before catching the flu bug. That is why the annual influenza
vaccines are very common for the people. An influenza vaccine
is ideally done in October or November, so that your immune
system is ready to go to work when flu season peaks in January.
However, if you miss the November deadline, even a December
influenza vaccine can still be benefit you. The most common
type of influenza vaccine is the flu shot, although the nasal-spray
vaccine is also available.
Who Should Get The Influenza Vaccine?
Basically, anyone who wants to avoid the flu should be vaccinated
with only few exceptions. Certain groups are considered high
risk, and for them the influenza vaccine should be a must
for them. These groups include children from the age of six
months to five years, and adults more than 50, and people
of any age with chronic medical conditions. The sicknesses
such as diabetes and asthma can especially increase the chances
of developing potentially dangerous complications from the
flu. People who live in nursing homes and pregnant women are
also considered as the high risk group for flu-related complications.
Get an influenza vaccine if you live or work with anyone who
is considered high risk, or if you work in the health care
industry or some other community services.
Who Should Not Get The Influenza Vaccine?
If you belong to the high risk group for potential complications
from the influenza vaccine, then you need to consult with
your physician before getting a flu shot. This group of people
includes those with a severe allergy to chicken eggs, or those
who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccine in
the past. The influenza vaccine is not allowed for children
under the age of six months. If you have been ill, especially
with a fever, you should wait to get your shot until your
sickness has subsided. Once you are feeling better however,
you should get right into your doctor’s office –
when it comes to the flu, an ounce of prevention really is
worth a pound of cure!
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