Flu shots for 2017-18 season are available now. Make sure you get one soon to protect yourself and your loved ones. Here are answers to few questions I get asked time and time again.
I am healthy and young.Why should I take flu vaccine?
Flu vaccine actually helps persons of all ages. In addition, it helps cut down the spread of this deadly disease in your family and your community (Yes, flu is more serious than most people think. Flu still kills on average about 36,000 persons per year in United States.)
Who should take flu vaccine?
- Everyone who is 6-month or older should take flu vaccine.
- Certain groups are higher risk for flu related complications. They should be ever more particular about getting the flu vaccine.
- Children and older adults.
- People suffering from chronic diseases.
- Pregnant women.
Can flu vaccine cause flu?
No. Virus in flu vaccine is inactivated. It can’t cause flu. When you get flu shot, you immune system is activated against flu. So some people can get low-grade fever, headache and muscle aches. This usually lasts less than 24 hours.
In studies, where some people got inactivated flu shots and others got salt-water shots, the only differences in symptoms was increased soreness in the arm and redness at the injection site among people who got the flu shot.
In case you are interested, CDC website has answers to lot more questions.
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