Why the Flu Shot Is the Safest, Most Effective Way to Protect Yourself and Your Family
Many people lump the flu with the common cold and write it off as no big deal. But the flu can be serious — deadly serious. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that in the 2017-2018 season:
22.7 million people with the flu had to seek medical attention
959,000 were hospitalized
79,400 died from the flu
Determined to save you from becoming one of those statistics, our team of expert doctors at Diagnostic and Clinical Care Services (DOCCS Urgent Care) can help you avoid the devastating effects of influenza this year. Here’s what you should know about the flu vaccine.
Is the flu vaccine safe for everybody?
We believe the flu vaccine is an effective way to protect yourself and your family from the influenza virus. The flu shot is a good idea for almost everyone, but there are groups of people who need the shot more than others.
People at higher risk for succumbing to complications due to the flu should get a flu shot every year. These include:
People 65 and older
Pregnant women
Children between the ages of 2 and 5
In some instances, however, the flu vaccine might do more harm than good. People who should forego the flu shot include:
Babies under 6 months
People with allergies to eggs
Those allergic to the vaccine
The flu vaccine is considered safe for healthy people as well as immunocompromised individuals. However, if you choose not to get the shot or you can’t receive a flu vaccine for health reasons, you and your family should avoid others who are sick and keep your time in public to a minimum during flu season.
Choose your vaccine: nasal spray or injection
Because the flu vaccine is often called the flu shot, you may think that an injection is the only way to get it. But the vaccine also comes in a nasal spray. They both work the same: The inactive virus particles enter your system and build up antibodies that help fight the virus and keep you healthy.
Although you still could get a mild form of the flu even if you’ve been vaccinated, it won’t be as severe and it should go away more quickly than if you didn’t get the vaccine. Discuss your prior health history with the physicians at DOCCS to determine if the shot or nasal spray is right for you.
According to the CDC, the flu vaccine is up to 60% effective for most people. This research also shows that the flu shot is the safest, most effective way to protect yourself and your family from influenza.
To get your flu vaccination, give us a call our office in Melbourne, Florida, or book an appointment online.