What is the Flu and the Flu Vaccination?

Signs are posted in most pharmacies and even in chain pharmacies such as Target and Kroger. Flu shot clinics are being opened. It is that time of year. So what is the flu and what is a flu vaccine?

The flu or influenza is a contagious virus, which spreads from an infected person to the nose or the throat of other people. The flu, influenza, has several symptoms. The most commons ones include fever, cough, sore throat, headache, chills, muscle aches, and fatigue. The symptoms are usually worse at night. In bad cases, the flu leads to pneumonia and can be very dangerous or even deadly for those with heart or breathing conditions. In children, the flu can even cause a high enough fever to lead to lead to seizures. Each year, about 226,000 people are placed in the hospital due to the flu. Each year about 36,000 people die due to the flu. Many of the death are elderly persons.

The best times to get a flu vaccination are in October or November. However, it those two months are not possible, waiting until December or later is better than no protection at all. Most cases of the flu are in January or February. The first time that you receive a flu vaccine, especially in children, you should get two doses. The doses will be about one month apart. If you are sick, you should wait until you are better before getting the vaccine.

While in most cases the vaccine is harmless, there are possible risks when taking the flu immunization. A severe allergic reaction is possible. The risk of serious effects or death is very slim. In inactivated vaccines, the virus has been killed. Therefore, unlike some believe, you cannot get the flu from taking a flu shot.

Some mild risks from taking a flu immunization include redness and soreness at the injection site. Also fevers and aches are side effects. Taking Tylenol before and after getting the shot can help.

If you or your family members develop a high fever, difficult breathing, hives, or wheezing after taking the flu shot, contact a doctor got to he emergency room fight away. These are not common side effects. If you or your family has an allergic reaction to the vaccines, the doctor can file a report with VAERS, Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System. A federal program is available to help with the cost of allergic reaction care.