It’s that time of year again when the sniffling and sneezing starts. Even if you haven’t thought about protecting yourself with a flu shot, you should. They are extremely important, and are available at many locations near you. Get a flu shot to prevent future viruses reaching your body.
Get a Flu Shot
First, let’s clear up one common misconception. The flu vaccine is not made up of the live virus, it’s inactive. The virus being injected has already been killed so you don’t have to worry about contracting the flu from the shot.
However, you may experience soreness, slight fever or aches. It’s a small price to pay for staying healthy! One exception to this is the nasal-spray flu vaccine. This option is made with a live, weakened virus and is not recommended for everyone so be sure to look into this if you are thinking of getting the nasal-spray option.
According to the CDC, the seasonal flu vaccine will protect against 3 viruses that research indicates will be most common during the year. Scientists work each year to determine the types and strains that should be included in the shot.
The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older should get a flu shot at the beginning of each flu season, but it is particularly important for the following groups:
* Pregnant women
* Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old
* People 50 years of age and older
* People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
* People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
* People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu
Along with getting the flu shot, avoid the flu all together! These how to avoid germs steps are simple and will save you the hassle of going through a sickness you never really wanted to get.
I Definitely need to get vaccinated but I have a distaste for getting injected. The nasal-spray flu vaccine sounds good to me. I will have to look into it. Thanks.