The flu shot dilemma… to vaccinate or not to vaccinate, has been an ongoing question for years. The media always has their own point of view and although we as people love to google everything and it is satisfying to have such quick access to information, we tend to read anything and obtain false information. Two great reliable sources for healthcare questions are the CDC and FDA. When it comes to vaccines, people should absolutely know all the facts about the vaccine they are about to receive. It is important to check a credible site or watch a credible source of a video. One credible source is your PCP (primary care physician). When you go to your wellness visit or you want to inquire about the flu shot, your PCP will be able to provide a print out of reliable information regarding the facts about the vaccine.
We as consumers and patients are faced with many questions-
- Who should get the flu shot? Everyone from the ages of six months and older.
- Why should we get the flu shot? Because one prick could keep you from missing weeks of work (or worse). The flu vaccine is never 100 percent effective, but “it still prevents millions of illnesses and deaths each year,” says William Schaffner, MD, an infectious-disease expert at Vanderbilt University. “Even if you do get sick, your symptoms are likely to be milder.” The shot also slashes your odds of passing the virus to babies, the elderly, and anyone with a compromised immune system (like a cancer patient).
- When should I get the flu shot? Late September or early October. The vaccine is usually available as early as August—but because it’s only effective for about six to seven months, waiting until fall officially begins can ensure you have coverage through the end of flu season (which is typically late April). Though you may have heard otherwise, you don’t have to get a vaccine twice in a single season: “Just wait until fall so you’re protected for the next six months,” says Dr. Schaffner.
- Will I get sick after I get the flu shot? Getting sick after the shot is just a myth. There are any other viruses that you may contract during the period of getting the flu shot.
- Does it hurt? The site will be slightly sore for a day or so following injection. reactions vary from individual to individual.
Down below will be a video that separates the facts from fiction about the flu shot dilemma.
This media clip actually states the same facts that my referenced articles do so this is a factual writing for me. The facts from the articles will be provided below.
Ways to “Boost” your immune system
- warm up in a sauna
- break a sweat most days (exercise regularly)
- go to bed early
- eat healthy
- get a massage
If you have a strong immune system, the chances of you contracting a very bad illness such as the flu, are slimmer than someone who has a very low immune system. Even if you do get sick, you will recover quicker and not be as severely sick then if someone has a poor immune system. Complications from flu can be severe and usually require hospitalization. Complications arising from flu include:
• Viral pneumonia.
• Secondary bacterial or viral infections.
• Multi-organ failure.
• Rarely: encephalopathy, myocarditis, transverse myelitis, pericarditis and Reye’s Syndrome.
• Worsening of chronic illnesses, especially in those with
metabolic, pulmonary and cardiac conditions.
Your age and state of health also play a role in determining how well the flu shot will protect you. As we age, our immune systems are much weaker. We may not produce as many antibodies to the virus in the vaccine as they did when we were
younger. Even if the vaccine is a perfect match, we may not generate an immune response strong enough to fight the virus off. Several illnesses and medications can also dampen your immune response.
A study done over three years showed that flu-related hospitalizations decreased by 61% in people over 50 years who had received the flu vaccine. It is important to note that delaying flu vaccination in the elderly in order to provide
better immunity later in the flu season, may result in losing the opportunity to vaccinate and also having a larger volume of people to vaccinate within a limited time period.
So, in conclusion it is safe to say that it is an important topic of the community and the flu shot does play a huge role in quicker recovery and education is key to the public.
References:
Pag, n, C. N. (2018). Prep for Flu Season Now! Health, 32(7), 73–76. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ccm&AN=131109430&site=ehost-live
Steyn, L. (2019). Understanding flu vaccination. Professional Nursing Today, 23(1), 21–26. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ccm&AN=137670905&site=ehost-live
Surviving the flu season. (2016). Harvard Women’s Health Watch, 24(4), 1–7. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ccm&AN=119520627&site=ehost-live