Fear Not, Get a Flu Shot!
The flu shot can be confusing, but it's a safe prevention tactic worth considering. Here's what you need to know.
Despite the warm temperatures of the last few weeks, it’s important to remember that flu season is quickly approaching – and it’s time to get your flu shot. (And you’ll certainly prefer it to getting the flu.) Click here for information from the CDC on estimates for this flu season.
That is why WellNow Urgent Care would like to remind its readers of the many, many benefits of the safe, simple, and inexpensive flu vaccine – especially when you weigh it against the dangerous, complicated, and steep costs of getting the flu.
Benefits of Getting a Flu Shot
A study from 2016 found that people 50 years and older who received the vaccine were 57% less likely to require hospitalization. In addition to the reduced likelihood of hospitalization, flu vaccines have also been associated with a lower risk of cardiac events and complications from diabetes and chronic lung disease.
Besides the obvious health benefits of vaccination, there are economic benefits as well. A study from 2007 estimated the direct medical costs arising from the flu at $10.4 billion annually – that’s the cost of over 100 Boeing 757s! And the projected lost earnings and loss of life were estimated at $16.3 billion annually, which is over 10 times the largest Powerball jackpot in history. The total economic burden of the flu was estimated at $87.1 billion annually, which is 20% more than the federal government spent on education in 2016!
Pregnant? Protect Yourself and Your Baby
Pregnant women are at greater risk for severe illness from the flu, making it all the more important that they do get vaccinated. In fact, studies have found that pregnant women who received the flu vaccine lowered the risk of flu-related respiratory infection and other flu-related illnesses by nearly one-half.
According to the CDC, it is safe for women to get the flu vaccine during any trimester of pregnancy, and there’s little difference between the side effects they may experience and those experienced by others. Similarly, the CDC especially encourages breastfeeding mothers to get vaccinated as well to reduce the risk of passing the flu onto their baby. This is of particular importance for nursing babies under six months of age, as they are too young to receive the vaccine themselves.
Is There Anyone Who Shouldn’t Receive a Flu Vaccine?
The two main groups cited by the CDC are
Children under six months of age; and
People with life-threatening egg allergies
The CDC also recommends consulting a doctor for people who
Are allergic to eggs or other ingredients in the flu vaccine
Have had a recent case of Guillain-Barre Syndrome
Are not feeling well
For individuals who may not be able to receive the vaccination themselves, the risk of getting the flu can be greatly reduced by encouraging those around them to receive the flu vaccine – particularly individuals who are at a high risk for the flu.
Who Is at a High Risk for the Flu?
The CDC lists its high-risk groups as:
Children younger than 5 years old
Adults 65 and older
Pregnant women
Residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities
American Indians and Alaskan Natives
Similarly, flu risk may be greater for individuals suffering from
Asthma
Heart disease
Blood, Kidney, Endocrine, Liver, and Metabolic disorders
Extreme obesity
Weakened immune systems
Neurological disorders
Chronic lung disease
What Are the Side Effects of a Flu Shot?
As with nearly every type of medication, flu vaccines have the potential for side effects. Fortunately, those side effects, if they do occur, tend to be mild and usually clear themselves up after a few days. They may include:
Soreness, redness, and/or swelling from the shot
Headache
Fever
Muscle aches
Fear Not, Get a Shot!
Always keep in mind that the benefits of getting a flu vaccine far outweigh the potential costs. Severe reactions are rare, and the risks are greater with the flu itself – particularly for older and younger individuals who may be hesitant. If you or a loved one is among the few groups recommended not to receive a flu shot, encourage your friends and family to receive their vaccination – it will not only protect you but them as well!
Sources: cdc.gov; vaccines.gov, sciencedirect.com