It’s that time of year again – flu shot season! Influenza can be a very real concern for many people. The flu tends to rear its ugly head during the fall and winter months and can leave sufferers feeling absolutely miserable.
Here we look at some important information you need to know before you decide to get the seasonal flu shot.
People Who Should Have the Shot:
Everyone is at risk of getting the flu but some people are at a greater risk than others. Those at a higher risk of developing the seasonal flu include children and teenagers ranging in age from six months to 18 years, adults over the age of 50, pregnant women, and anyone who has a chronic medical condition (such as asthma).
Other groups of people that are in a higher risk category include those who reside in long-term care facilities, those who have compromised or weakened immune systems, those who have frequent exposure to the general public(such as emergency workers and health care personnel, etc.), and family members or caregivers who regularly come into contact with high risk people.
People Who Should Steer Clear of the Shot:
On the other hand there are those who should not get a flu shot. These include anyone who has an allergy to eggs, anyone who has a fever at the time when they go for their vaccination and anyone who has ever had an adverse reaction to a flu shot in the past.
It is also not wise to get a flu shot if you have a history of Guillain-Barre syndrome. Babies under the age of six months should not receive the flu shot.
Seasonal flu shots are available in the autumn months. Most doctors’ offices and clinics receive them sometime between September and November. Check with your doctor to find out more information in this regard. If you are someone who is at a high risk for getting the flu then the sooner you get it the better.
Be aware that it takes two weeks after it has been administered to become effective. That means that if you had already caught the flu bug before having the shot you could still get sick.
The flu shot generally lasts for four to five months. If you got your shot in October or November for instance then the vaccine would remain in your system protecting you until at least March of the following year. It is important that you get your flu vaccine annually.
The vaccine is not the exact same every year. The formula changes based on the strain of influenza virus that was prevalent in the previous year. That is why getting a shot on an annual basis is so essential for your good health.
Possible Side Effects:
As long as you are not in the group of individuals who should not get the flu shot the potential for side effects is rare.
The side effects that do come with the shot for everyone else are generally minor. However there is always a chance that you may experience one or two of the side effects. The most common include soreness at the injection site, a reduced level of energy (or a greater level of fatigue) and a low grade fever.
If you experience difficulty breathing, severe swelling or numbness then contact your physician right away or make your way to the nearest emergency room for immediate medical attention.
Samantha
Alternative Health for Today 
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