If I receive the flu shot, can I still get the flu?

To understand the answer to this, it will help to understand how the flu vaccine is made.  To put it in simple terms, there are several strains of flu viruses.  Each year the World Health Organization tries to pick the strains which will be most active.  This choice is made months before flu season because it takes months to produce the vaccine.  If the choice is not the right combination, there may be strains active but which are not in that year’s vaccine.  So the answer to the question is a qualified yes.  Also, if you were exposed to the flu just before you received the flu shot, you might get the flu, but usually a milder case than if you had not received the shot. 

Can I get the flu from the vaccine itself? The shot is made with a killed virus, so you cannot get the flu from the shot.  The nasal spray flu vaccine is made with a very mild amount of the live virus, but still you will not get the flu.

 

Should pregnant women get the flu shot?  According to the CDC, yes, pregnant and nursing mothers should get the shot because pregnancy can increase the complications from the flu.  However, they should not get the nasal spray.

 

Is the vaccine safe? Yes, again according to the CDC, the vaccine is safe and has very few side effects.  The site of the injection may be a little sore for a day or two, or you may even feel a slight fever and sore muscles.  But this will go away without further problems.  Again, referring to the first question, there is always the possibility that you had the flu in you before you received the vaccine.

 

Is there anyone who should not get the flu shot?  Yes.  Anyone who has had a reaction in the past to the flu vaccine or is allergic to eggs.  Children less than 6 months old.  People with a moderate or severe illness with a fever should wait until they are better.

 

Where should I get my flu shot?  Probably your own doctor is your best place.  He/She knows you and your body and any allergies you may have.  He/She is also available for any questions and follow-up if you need it.  He/She also has your insurance information.  He/She also has your immunization records and can check to see that you are up to date on any other vaccinations you should have such as a tetanus booster or your very important pneumonia vaccine.  Between 30,000 and 40,000 Americans die each year from diseases which are preventable with a vaccination.  Don’t be one of them!

The vaccine will be available at Leola Family Health Center the beginning of September. Schedule yours today.

For even more information visit: http://www.cdc.gov/FLU/protect/keyfacts.htm

Note: This article is for interest only. It is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical concerns or diseases. No course of treatment or medical decision should be made without directly contacting your healthcare provider.

                                          Leola Family Health Center         www.leolafamilyhealth.com