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Flu Shot Best Protection From Influenza
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Protect yourself from this potentially serious illness When the weather turns cooler and leaves change colors, it signals the beginning of fall and flu season. The most effective way to protect yourself from this potentially serious illness is to receive the flu vaccine. It’s available at physician offices and clinics, such as Baptist Minor Medical Centers. Flu season is November through March. Some people are wary of receiving a flu shot because of misconceptions about it. One of the most common misconceptions is that people can develop the flu as a result of receiving the flu shot. The vaccine contains a killed virus so it is not possible to become infected by it. However, the vaccine does stimulate an immune response so some people may experience symptoms, such as muscle aches and fatigue, but they will subside promptly. Protection from the flu develops about two weeks after vaccination. Other people believe that people can still get the flu after receiving a flu shot, because it only protects against certain strains. But even if someone becomes infected by another strain of the virus, the flu shot will keep them from getting as sick as they could without the vaccine, said Mel Lee, M.D., medical director of Baptist Minor Medical Centers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone age 6 months and older receive the flu shot, with the exception of people with allergies to eggs and/or mercury, those who have had problems from previous flu shots or those who have Guillain-Barré syndrome. Pregnant women should check with their obstetrician before receiving a flu shot. It is especially important that people at high risk for complications from the flu receive a flu shot. These groups include:
Much has been written and broadcasted about the bird flu that has caused human deaths and illnesses in Asia and the possibility that it could eventually spread to other continents. Human infections are rare, Dr. Lee said. So far the virus has spread mostly bird to bird in Asia and parts of Europe and, occasionally, bird to human. Human to human transmission is extremely rare, and no cases have been reported in North America. “The spread of this disease has not come to pass yet, but experts are watching closely,” Dr. Lee said. For people who get the flu, there are antiviral treatments that can help. However, flu sufferers must receive these medicines within 48 hours after the onset of symptoms and continue taking the medication for three to five days. Flu symptoms include:
If you develop these symptoms, seek medical help immediately. But a better protection against the flu is getting a flu shot.
Published: Nov. 29, 2005
Source: Mel Lee, M.D., medical director of Baptist Minor Medical Centers Writer: Elizabeth Todd Bartholomew, MA, APR  Top of Page |
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