Should You Get a Flu Immunization?

The flu season usually begins in September and continues right up until spring. The flu can be very dangerous to some groups of people. The flu can cause great sickness and even death in elderly persons, young infants, and those with low immune systems due to other illnesses.

Each year, the nation offers immunizations against the flu. In the past, there have been shortages of flu shots. The shots were rationed out to only those who were at high risk for catching the flu.

In most cases, the flu vaccinations are plentiful and available to everyone. They can be gotten at doctors' offices and pharmacies. While many people take advantage of the flu immunizations, some do not take part.

My children have had the flu immunization. My children have also had the flu each year months after receiving the shot. I only took the flu shot when I was pregnant. I have never had the flu. It is impossible to predict who will and who will not get the flu. The flu affects different people differently. Some people are over the flu in a few days while other people may experience symptoms for a week or more.

Even if you have had the flu immunization shot you can still get the flu. Most physicians will say that you have lesser flu symptoms and an easier recovery if you have the flu and you have had a flu shot.

In some cases, the flu shot can make the person experience a few light flu like symptoms. After all, you are being injected with the flu germs. There are two different types of flu shots that you can receive. The first is an inactive immunization. This shot contains dead vaccine that is given into the muscle. The second kind is a live but weakened vaccine that is sprayed into the nostrils. In most cases the first type is given. It usually takes about two weeks for the protection to take over after you have been given the shot or the spray.

While it is completely up to the individual on whether he/she receives the flu vaccine, it is suggested that persons at high risk or that work in areas of high-risk take the vaccine. People that work in high risk areas are health care providers, caregivers of children, care givers of elderly people, people that live in dorms, people who travel to the Southern Hemisphere, and people whop provide community services.