Facts About the Flu Vaccine
What are Flu Vaccines Anyways?
Influenza is a virus that spreads from one person to the other. So when the flu season is near, people start to catch it and transfer it to others. In this way, serious illness affects the entire city and impacts its residents. To avoid getting sick in the flu season, one must take a flu vaccine because it is the best way you could protect yourself and your surroundings. Read on to find out what a flu shot is and how it works.
- The flu shot is a vaccine that helps develop anti-bodies two weeks after the shot. These anti-bodies fight against the flu virus and prevent us from getting sick.
- A traditional flu shot can fight against three main viruses – influenza A H1N1, influenza A H3N2, and influenza B.
- The flu vaccine strengthens the immune system.
- Seasonal flu vaccines are the best protection against flu.
- Fives types of flu shot exist; high dose shot, intradermal flu shot, egg-free flu shot, traditional flu shot, and nasal spray shot.
- You can easily obtain flu shots from local clinics, pharmacies, hospitals, and other available locations.
The season for flu starts from fall and stays till spring. In this season, it holds great importance for everyone to proactively receive vaccination to prevent illness. Individuals who are prone to catching the flu virus should exercise utmost caution and ensure they receive a flu shot before it becomes too late.
Is The Flu Vaccine Safe?
In general, people consider flu vaccinations to be very safe. There are however a few side effects to the vaccine that certain people can encounter. The Food and Drug Administration along with the Centers for disease Control and Prevention play an important role in ensuring that the seasonal flu vaccinations given to people are extremely safe.
People Who Should Get Flu Shots
Individuals, ranging from 6 months old to older adults, should actively seek vaccination every flu season.
People Who Should Not Get Flu Shots
Healthcare providers can administer different types of flu vaccinations to individuals in various groups. Determining the appropriate flu vaccine for each person involves considering specific factors.These factors include the current and past health of a person, their allergies, and age. Some of these factors include:
- Experienced severe reaction to a flu vaccine
- Illnesses associated with a fever, in which case you should wait it out until you get better
- A history of Guillain–Barré Syndrome which is a severe paralytic illness
When you have any of the above, you should seek the assistance of a medical practitioner regarding how you should proceed. They will be able to guide you with regards to what you should do in a better manner.
Should A Flu Vaccine Be Given To A Person Not Feeling Well?
If you have a fever, then you should get better before receiving a flu vaccination. Nevertheless, individuals with mild diseases or respiratory illnesses that do not cause a fever can still receive flu vaccinations.
Side Effects of The Flu Vaccine
After receiving a flu shot, a person may encounter mild side effects. These usually last for about a day or two. Some of the mild side effects include fever, nausea, headaches, fainting, redness, swelling, or soreness where the injection was given.
Nasal sprays could have their own side effects such as wheezing, runny nose, vomiting, headache, fever, muscle aches, or other severe side effects. If severe side effects are experienced, then a person should seek immediate medical attention.
Aftercare for Flu Patients
Our Urgent Care Center provides efficient care to flu patients, making sure that they follow a recovery plan, and always get a flu shot at the beginning of the season.