Should I get a flu shot?

What exactly is the flu shot?  The flu shot contains dead flu viruses.  These viruses cannot cause the flu because once again they are dead.  The idea behind the flu shot is to "teach" your immune system what the flu virus looks like so that when confronted with a live flu virus your immune system will recognize it and attack and kill it thus protecting you against the flu.  The flu shot in my town can be found for around $25.  I think that avoiding a week or two of misery and the need to buy a medicine call tamiflu which will cost you at least $100 is well worth the price of a small shot.

Why do they have a new flu shot each year?  The answer to that is simple.  Viruses and bacteria can mutate or change.  If you have heard of a super bug or antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria, they are examples of mutations in the bugs that make us sick.  According to the CDC,
"There are two reasons for getting a yearly flu vaccine:

• The first reason is that because flu viruses are constantly changing, flu vaccines may be updated from one season to the next to protect against the most recent and most commonly circulating viruses.
• The second reason that annual vaccination is recommended is that a person’s immune protection from vaccination declines over time and annual vaccination is needed for optimal protection."

So when should you get your flu shot?  Flu season usually peaks in December and can start as early as October and last into May.  So get the flu shot as soon as it becomes available in your community.

Lastly what are the side effects of the flu shot?  Again I will refer to the CDC.

"Different side effects can be associated with the flu shot and LAIV.
The flu shot: The viruses in the flu shot are killed (inactivated), so you cannot get the flu from a flu shot. Some minor side effects that could occur are:

• Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given
• Fever (low grade)
• Aches

If these problems occur, they begin soon after the shot and usually last 1 to 2 days. Almost all people who receive influenza vaccine have no serious problems from it. However, on rare occasions, flu vaccination can cause serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions. As of July 1, 2005, people who think that they have been injured by the flu shot can file a claim for compensation from the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP).
The nasal spray (also called LAIV or FluMist®): The viruses in the nasal-spray vaccine are weakened and do not cause severe symptoms often associated with influenza illness. (In clinical studies, transmission of vaccine viruses to close contacts has occurred only rarely.)
In children, side effects from LAIV (FluMist®) can include:

• runny nose
• wheezing
• headache
• vomiting
• muscle aches
• fever

In adults, side effects from LAIV (FluMist®) can include

• runny nose
• headache
• sore throat
• cough

More information about the safety of flu vaccines is available at Influenza Vaccine Safety."

For my money I am getting a flu shot every year.  I just think it is the smart thing to do.  If you want to read more about the flu check out www.cdc.gov/flu/.  That is all.