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Typically, the flu season
peaks in December, but it will start earlier and can last
into May. The most important point is that everyone should
be vaccinated against the flu beginning in October.
Vaccination will not only protect you, but also protect
those who are too young to be vaccinated and those who
cannot receive the flu vaccine. It’s good for you and it’s
good for your community.
If you hate needles, you
are in luck, because the flu vaccine is available in a nasal
mist for those who qualify. The FluMist nasal flu vaccine is
available for those who are two – 49 years old. Introduced
in 2003, it is now the preferred method for children ages
two – eight years. However, if FluMist is not available, it
is important that you still receive a traditional flu shot.
If you’re worried that
getting vaccinated will give you the flu, you can rest easy
because no study to date has shown an increase in flu or
flu-like symptoms after the flu shot when compared to
placebo. In fact, you may be surprised that when the flu
vaccine is given with a needle it does not contain any live
virus. The virus has been treated so it cannot be
infectious. Not only that, but some shots do not contain flu
vaccine virus at all! The most common side effects after the
flu are tenderness, redness or swelling at the injection
site. Less commonly, you may have a low-grade fever or
muscle aches.
Just like you prepare for
the snow season, you should prepare for the flu season.
Getting a flu vaccine now helps you be prepared.
For more information,
contact the TLC Health Center at 419-213-4209.
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