|
Flu vaccine is
the single most effective means for preventing infection with the flu
virus and the complications associated with flu. But everyone who wants to
be protected from the flu needs to be re-vaccinated each year because the
flu virus changes each year. For best protection, immunization should
occur in October and November for those at high risk for complications of
the flu, and in November and December for all others.
Q&A
False
"The flu is just like a bad
cold." Influenza (flu) is far
more dangerous than a bad cold. It's a disease of the lungs, and it can
lead to pneumonia. Each year about 114,000 people in the U.S. are
hospitalized and about 20,000 people die because of the flu. Most who die
are over 65 years old. But small children less than 2 years old are as
likely as those over 65 to have to go to the hospital because of the flu.
False
"The shot can give you
the flu." Flu vaccines are made
from killed influenza viruses. These viruses cannot give you the flu.
Maybe
"Even if I get a flu
shot, I can still get the flu."
This can happen, but the flu shot usually protects most people from the
flu. However, the flu shot will not protect you from other viruses that
can cause illnesses that sometimes feel like the flu.
False
"The vaccine isn't 100%
effective, so I'm better off getting the flu."
No vaccine is 100% effective. However, if
you get a flu shot but still get the flu, you are likely to be far less
sick than you would have been without the protection.
False
"The side effects are
worse than the flu." The worst
side effect you're likely to get is a sore arm. The risk of a rare
allergic reaction is far less than the risk of severe complications from
influenza.
True
"Not everyone can take the
flu shot." If you are allergic to
eggs (used in making the vaccine), are very ill with a high fever, or have
had a severe reaction to the flu vaccine in the past, you might not be
able to get this protection. Flu shots are safe for most people.
False
"Only the very old and
sick need the flu shot." Most
adults and children over 6 months of age who are in good health can
benefit from a flu shot. Even if you aren't at high risk of complications
from influenza, a flu shot will help prevent you from getting the flu and
protect everyone you live with and contact - especially those at high risk
of complications.
False
"December is too late to
get a flu shot." The flu shot can
be given before or during the flu season. While the best time to get a flu
shot is October or November, a flu shot in December or later will still
protect you against the flu.
Source:CDC
|