Did you get your flu shot yet?
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It’s not too early! Although the flu usually peaks around January and February, it can start as early as…now. And if you get the shot now, you’ll be protected for the season.
I’m assuming you do get a flu vaccine.
Don’t you?
I recently wrote an article about flu shots and my research taught me a lot I didn’t know. And it’s possible you don’t know these things either. I’m anxious to share some important facts:
1. This year, there’s a new version of flu vaccine. It’s called the Standard Four-Strain Vaccine (or Quadrivalent) and protects against four strains rather than the usual three (an extra B strain has been added) and may give broader protection. Whether or not that’s true can only be known after the fact, but predictions are that it will – and that all future vaccines will be of this type.
But if you can’t find it (supplies are more limited than the standard three-strain vaccine), the standard vaccine is fine. The CDC is not recommending one over the other; the important thing is to get vaccinated. For those of you that are nervous about getting your shots, rest assured that endless amounts of research go into creating each vaccine each and every year. It’s tested until it can’t be tested anymore using the best, most up-to-date research equipment similar to what is available on www.sciquip.co.uk/products/freeze-dryers-and-lyophilizers. Some vaccines are in development for ten years or more, so you can be safe in the knowledge that you’re receiving a shot that has been made to the highest possible standard.
2. Everyone over 6 months of age should get vaccinated against the flu. People can and do die from flu complications – while it varies according to the severity of the outbreak, the CDC estimates deaths to be anywhere between a low of 3,000 to a high of 49,000 each year.
3. You cannot “catch” the flu from getting a shot. The vaccine takes about two weeks to kick in – so if you get sick during that time, it’s likely whatever you had was brewing before you got the shot.
4. No one is immune to the flu. Some people think since they’ve never had the flu, they have a natural immunity and don’t need to be vaccinated. But they just haven’t had the flu…yet. Or, it’s possible they had a very mild version of it and never knew.
5. If you’re afraid of needles, there is a nasal version of the vaccine – but that’s only for people between the ages of 2 and 49.
6. If you’re afraid of needles and older than 49, there’s still an option (no, it’s not to skip the shot!). A new version uses a needle that is 90% smaller than those normally used. And, this ouch-free vaccine is injected into the skin rather than the muscle, further reducing the pain factor. (It’s not that painful, trust me. I just had mine the other day and I barely winced. But then again, some people might call me a trouper.)
7. If you’re 65 or older, there’s a high-dose vaccine that revs up your immune system, which naturally decreases with age, making it more likely you’ll get better coverage than with a standard-dose vaccine.
Did you get it yet? Are you planning to go?
Mo at Mocadeaux says
Thanks for the reminder. I know what my husband and I will be doing Saturday morning!
SherylK says
So glad to hear that, Mo!
Irene S. Levine says
Thanks for this reminder!
SherylK says
You’re so welcome Irene. Hope you got – or are getting – your vaccine!
Brette says
I know they say you can’t get the flu from the flu shot but I most definitely did. Within minutes of the shot I felt this sense of heat moving through my body, starting at the vaccine site. By the time I got home I had a fever. I was sick for 2 days. I’m never getting one again after that.
SherylK says
Really? Wow, that is pretty intense. And frightening. I wonder what your doc said about that reaction – could it have been a reaction to something else in the shot?
Lisa @ Grandma's Briefs says
Great info! I’ve never gotten a flu shot because my now-retired neuro recommended against it (I have MS). I think he had old, out-dated ideas, for I’ve heard many MS pros strongly recommend it. I’m still debating pros/cons, as it relates to MS. Thank you for adding to the “pro” column.
SherylK says
Interesting…I haven’t read anything about the shot being contraindicated for those with MS, but I’m sure you could easily get another professional’s opinion.
merr says
Your post is timely. I just heard a report on one of the NPR stations about flu shots.
SherylK says
Yes, well I suppose it is that time of year, Merr!
Roxanne says
I used to get the flu shot every year, but I stopped many, many years ago and have been fine. I did get it the year my sister was getting chemo because her oncologist wanted anyone around her to have the vaccine.
Earlier this year, I interviewed a veterinary infectious disease expert, about something else. We got to talking about the flu. His daughter is one of the lead immunologists at WHO (the team that creates the flu vaccine every year). FWIW, neither of them get the flu shot.
Considering our experiences in the house with adverse vaccine reactions, I stick with the bare minimum.
SherylK says
That’s interesting, Roxanne. I guess everyone has their own personal reasons, and so many people have various reactions.
Marielaina Perrone DDS says
Great Tips. Many people overlook the value of the annual flu shot. Good to see education by you to get more people vaccinated.
SherylK says
Thanks for reading, Marlelaina!
Kerry Dexter says
good points to consider, Sheryl — although I prefer to stay away from medication. I’ve had the flu before and I’m aware of how to treat it and precautions on not to pass it along should I fall ill again.
SherylK says
Seems like you’ve made a wise decision for yourself, Kerry. It’s a deeply personal one, at that, and I respect everyone’s decision to do what is best for themselves.
Donna Hull says
Thanks for the reminder. I’ve had the flu and it’s no fun. Last year, I got a flu shot for the first time, had no bad reaction and didn’t get the flu. I’ll be getting one again this year although I have to wait until early December due to travel obligations. Keeping my fingers crossed I don’t get the flu before then.
SherylK says
Keeping my fingers crossed along with you, Donna!
Alexandra says
I usually get the flu shot when I have my regular fall physical, but I know a lot of people advocate against it, so that makes me wonder.
HeatherL says
I would love to know your sources for the info you posted on flu shots.
SherylK says
Heather, my sources were the CDC and an infectious disease expert from Cleveland Clinic.
Living Large says
We get the flu shot every year. We started getting it when my mother became ill with COPD and as her caregivers, it was important we didn’t carry any sickness to her. We’ve continued just because we don’t like being sick, either.
Jane Boursaw says
I haven’t gotten a flu shot before. I hate the idea of getting the flu, but I’m also cynical about who’s getting the money from these flu shots.
SherylK says
I hear you, Jane. Like I replied to a commenter before, it’s a strictly personal decisions and I respect people’s personal beliefs. Won’t argue there!
Rosalba Gordon says
Every year my son and I get together to have the shot, and after that we reward ourselves with a big breakfast!
SherylK says
Ooh, that sounds like fun! Breakfast is a good reward for just about anything.
ruth pennebaker says
Can you hear me sighing? I’m not deathly afraid of shots — just dislike them. But yes, I will get one, I promise.
SherylK says
I hear you loud and clear, Ruth. Keep your promise, ok?
Kris says
I opt out.
SherylK says
THat’s your choice, of course. And I suppose you have your reasons for opting out, too.