By Curtis D. Tucker, Enid Buzz | Friday, October 14, 2016
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ENID, Okla. - To get the flu shot or not. For many that's the question each year just before flu season starts. Below are a few flu facts that might help clear up any misconceptions you have about the vaccine. These come directly from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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1.) Over a period of 31 seasons between 1976 and 2007, estimates of flu-associated deaths in the United States range from a low of about 3,000 to a high of about 49,000 people. During recent flu seasons, between 80% and 90% of flu related deaths have occurred in people 65 years and older. “Flu season” in the United States can begin as early as October and last as late as May.
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2.) There are many vaccine options to choose from, but the most important thing is for all people 6 months and older to get a flu vaccine every year. If you have questions about which vaccine is best for you, talk to your doctor or other health care professional.
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3.) Flu vaccination should begin soon after vaccine becomes available, if possible by October. However, as long as flu viruses are circulating, vaccination should continue to be offered throughout the flu season, even in January or later.
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4.) A flu vaccine is needed every season for two reasons. First, the body’s immune response from vaccination declines over time, so an annual vaccine is needed for optimal protection. Second, because flu viruses are constantly changing, the formulation of the flu vaccine is reviewed each year and sometimes updated to keep up with changing flu viruses.
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5.) Get your flu shot now! It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against influenza virus infection. That’s why it’s better to get vaccinated early in the fall, before the flu season really gets under way.
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6.) There is a possibility you could get the flu even if you got vaccinated. If the viruses in the vaccine and the influenza viruses circulating in the community are closely matched, vaccine effectiveness is higher. If they are not closely matched, vaccine effectiveness can be reduced. However, it’s important to remember that even when the viruses are not closely matched, the vaccine can still protect many people and prevent flu-related complications.
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7.) A flu vaccine cannot cause flu illness. Flu vaccines that are administered with a needle are currently made in two ways: the vaccine is made either with a) flu vaccine viruses that have been ‘inactivated’ and are therefore not infectious, or b) with no flu vaccine viruses at all (which is the case for recombinant influenza vaccine). The nasal spray flu vaccine does contain live viruses. However, the viruses are attenuated (weakened), and therefore cannot cause flu illness.
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Other than the flu shot, there are several precautions you should take during flu season.
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• Avoid close contact with individuals suffering from the flu.
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water.
• Avoid touching your mouth, nose, and eyes to prevent the spread of germs.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces in your house and workplace often to kill germs.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or cough into your elbow if a tissue is not available.
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Flu Shots } Yes or No?
