Flu Shots: Things to Consider

Each year the citizens of the United States begin considering whether or not they want to go and get a flu shot to ward off influenza during the winter months. Some employers offer these vaccinations for their employees at a discounted rate or even for free. Others have to go to a clinic or doctor's office and pay for the shot in order to reduce their risk of illness due to the flu. Each flu season there is a decision to be made: shot or no shot. So far each year I have elected to not get the flu vaccination. I have my reasons and I would like to share those reasons as well as some informatio with you that may help you make up your own mind.

What Is It?

The flu vaccine is actually an inactive/dead strain of influenza that is administered to the patient. The death toll from influenza in the United States is somewhere in the neighborhood of about 36,000 annually¹. Flu vaccination may be administered via needle injection or as a nasal spray. Since the influenza viruses mutates at a rapid rate, each year a new dominant strain surfaces requiring the vaccine to be re-forumlated each year. It has been estimated that flu vaccination has about a 75% success rate for reducing the risk of flu infection².

What Are the Risks/Side Effects?

The risk for side effects to the flu vaccine does exist. Although it is a myth that receiving a flu vaccination will cause you to get the flu, it may produce flu-like symptoms. You may possibly develop a runny nose, a low-grade fever, chills, diarrhea, or various aches and pains including headache. These symptoms will likely surface with one to two days of vaccination.

So Should I Get the Vaccine Or Not?

The answer is it depends. There are certain at-risk groups that should strongly consider the vaccine. These would include children and young adults who are from 6 months to 19 years of age, people with other serious medical conditions which could make fighting off the flu difficult, pregant women, and health care professionals who care for patients who may be in an at-risk category.

Why Would I Not Get the Vaccine?

In my case, I am a health man in my late twenties. Catching the flu has never been an issue for me so I have decided that it is not worth it for me to pay for the vaccine or risk the possible side effects. If the risk of side effects or the cost of the vaccine are not objects to you then you may decide to do so. However also keep in mind that if you have an allergy to eggs then you should not get the flu vaccine since it can aggravate such an allergy. Of course if you have had a negative reaction to a flu vaccine in the past then you will not want to consider the vaccine now.

Please note that you should always consult your doctor before making any major decisions concerning your health. Do your research and consider the risks before you make your final decision. The fact that you have never suffered much from the flu before does not mean you have absolutely no risk of it now. Consult your doctor and read as much as you can on the subject so that you can make the most informed decision for your own health and safety and that of your family. Good luck to you in whatever course of action you decide to take. I hope this information has been helpful.

Sources Cited

¹Flu shots leave heart failure patients at risk Reuters Sat Mar 29, 2008

Influenza causes 36,000 deaths and more than 200,000 hospitalizations in the United States each year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSN2932292920080329?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0

²"(The 75 percent rate could range, according to a standard statistical measure known as confidence intervals, from 41 percent to 91 percent.)" Panel Advises Flu Shots for Children Up to Age 18 The New York Times By LAWRENCE K. ALTMAN Published: February 28, 2008 Quoting Dr. Anne Schuchat, who directs the CDC's program on immunization and respiratory diseases. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/28/health/28flu.html