Some misconceptions about the flu shot

Flu Shot Time Again!

The cool in the air combined with falling leaves in the mountains reminds us all flu season is fast approaching. While we encourage all to receive the shot, if you’re under 5 and over 50, or you’ve a chronic illness such as asthma or diabetes, you’re at high risk for complications of influenza and should receive a shot.  These complications include pneumonia, dehydration and hospitalization.   The only true contraindication for the shot is a history of severe egg allergy or having had a serious reaction to a previous flu shot.

In an effort to encourage more of our community members to receive the flu shot, I’d like to address some of the misconceptions regarding the shot. 

1. “The flu shot gives me the flu”.  While older forms of the vaccine may have caused occasional fever and body aches, the current, more purified form causes very few side effects.  The flu shot only protects against true influenza (a severe respiratory infection associated with high fevers, body aches and cough) not against the many other respiratory viruses that can cause colds and, at times, more serious respiratory illnesses similar to influenza.  “Stomach Flu” (nausea, vomiting and diarrhea) is causes by intestinal viruses unrelated to true influenza.  Having the flu shot will not protect you against all viruses, but it will protect you against the most serious virus, influenza, that we see each winter.
2. “The flu shot is not safe in young children”.  The safety and efficacy of influenza vaccination in children has been well studied.  While we do not recommend the flu shot for children under 6 months of age, we highly recommend it for those 6 months to 5 years.  They are at particular risk of suffering complications from influenza.  The side effects of the shot are minimal and there has been nothing to suggest that adding the flu shot to their regular vaccinations is harmful. The shot can be given even when the child is suffering from a cold. 
3. “Pregnant women should not be vaccinated”.  Pregnant women are actually included in those considered high risk of influenza complications.  Not only is it safe, it is highly recommended for all women who will be pregnant during the flu season.

We encourage all those at high risk and any others who wish to receive the vaccine to call your local clinic today to arrange for a shot.  We also recommend any who have close contact with high risk individuals to have the flu shot. There's no shortage of vaccine this year, so do yourself and those at risk around you a favor. Go get that shot!

Sun Rise at Deep Creek.  Thousand Lake Mountain