The Q’s and A’s of Flu Vaccine

We are now at the beginning of flu season and health officials are urging the public to schedule their annual flu vaccine in order to stop the spread of flu. Some however, still believe the flu is not a serious disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), influenza and pneumonia combined are the eighth leading cause of death in the U.S. and can cause nearly as many deaths as AIDS and breast cancer. The flu is highly contagious and can easily be passed from a low-risk individual to a high-risk individual, which can then lead to serious complications, including pneumonia and worsening of chronic conditions. This year two new strains are circulating. For many American’s, questions regarding the flu and flu vaccine still remain, including the best way to avoid contracting the flu virus; confusion over who needs to be immunized; and the difference between flu symptoms and other infections.

How can I avoid contracting the flu virus?

Since the flu virus mutates every year, those who were vaccinated last year will want to protect themselves against this season’s infection by getting immunized as soon as possible. With the current 2012-13 flu season in flu swing, receiving a flu vaccine is the number one way to stop the contagious spread of the flu. According to the CDC, the flu vaccine is for anyone who doesn’t want to be sick with the flu or inadvertently spread the virus to others. Flu season generally lasts from October through January. However, getting vaccinated now will protect you throughout flu season, which often peaks in severity after January.

Who should get a flu vaccine?

In previous flu seasons, there have been some misconceptions regarding flu vaccine recommendations. Many share the mistaken belief that only high-risk individuals like children, seniors and pregnant women should be inoculated. That changed in 2010 when the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for the CDC expanded their recommendation for annual immunization to include all people aged 6 months and older. However, those who are at a higher risk for obtaining the virus, like pregnant women, those who are 65 years of age and older, young children and people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions such as asthma, chronic lung disease, diabetes, heart disease, neurological problems, or individuals with a compromised immune system are highly encouraged to schedule an annual flu vaccine. For the upcoming flu season, a high-dose flu vaccine formulated for those aged 65 and older is also available.

What are some typical flu symptoms?

Influenza severity and symptoms can include fever, nausea, headaches, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, extreme tiredness and body aches. Anyone complaining of these symptoms should stay home from work or school to stop the infection from spreading to others. Unfortunately, that practice on its own will not halt the spread of flu since the virus is highly contagious even before the onset of symptoms. According to the CDC, “Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to five to seven days after becoming sick.” That’s just one more reason why getting a flu vaccine is so important.

Receiving a yearly flu vaccine will not only protect you from getting the virus, it will safeguard loved ones, coworkers and friends. The safest and easiest way to fight the flu is to get vaccinated. Call your healthcare provider and schedule your flu vaccine today.