Why You Should Get a Flu Immunization Shot

Before you know it, flu season will be here. We have all heard the common-sense ways to avoid the flu: wash your hands frequently, get enough rest, try to avoid contact with infected people. While these are all good ideas, sometimes contact with the flu is unavoidable, and a flu shot may be a consideration. While the flu is a nuisance to some, it can be deadly for those in high-risk groups. So why and for whom is a flu shot a good idea?

According to the Mayo Clinic, the Flu Shot is between 70-90% effective in preventing the Flu. Getting the Flu Shot does not assure that you will not get the Flu, but if you are infected, it will likely be a less severe case with less complications. This is especially important for those in high risk groups.

You are considered to be in a high-risk group for the flu if you:

- Have a lung condition, such as asthma or COPD.
- Have a chronic disease, especially one that affects immunity, such as HIV/AIDS
- Have Diabetes
- Are Pregnant
- Are a Health Care Worker
- Live in a Nursing Home
- Are a Public Safety Worker
- Are planning on traveling to the tropics or the southern hemisphere (think of the number of times you've gotten a cold on a plane - the flu is just as contagious, so it would be a good idea even if you are taking a domestic flight)
- Are over 50
- You are a caregiver or live with someone who is in a high-risk group.

(Courtesy of Kidshealth.org)

Some people worry about getting the flu from a flu vaccine. While you may experience some mild flu-like symptoms after the flu shot (fatigue, achiness), you cannot get the flu from a flu vaccine, as it is a dead form of the virus. It is enough to "alert" your immune system to watch out and attack the flu when you come in contact with it in your day to day life, but it cannot infect you with the flu on its own.

Are you afraid of needles? There is a flu vaccine that now comes in nasal spray form. Check out http://www.flumist.com/ for information on FluMist. It should be noted that the nasal form of the flu vaccine is a weakened, but still live, version of the flu virus, so those with weakened immune systems should opt for the injected (dead virus) version. But for those who avoid getting a flu shot due to fear of needles but would like protection from the flu should consider this new option.

Regardless of whether you belong to a high-risk group or simply can't afford to take time off of work or school, getting the flu is a serious matter. The flu kills approximately 36,000 people a year - don't be part of that statistic this year. Consider a flu shot this year in order to protect the health of yourself and your family.