No one likes to get sick. And getting the flu can be particularly miserable. The flu is a respiratory infection that can wreak havoc on the body. It causes fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, muscle aches and fatigue.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone six months of age and older.
Still, there are misconceptions about the flu vaccine Here are some truths about this vaccine from the CDC.
Can a flu vaccine give you the flu?
No, flu vaccines cannot cause flu illness.
Is it better to get sick with the flu rather than get the flu vaccine?
No. Flu can be a serious disease, particularly among young children, the elderly and people with certain chronic health conditions. These include asthma, heart disease or diabetes. Any flu infection carries a risk of serious complications. Hundreds of thousands of people are hospitalized due to the flu. Every year, thousands die from the flu.
Is it necessary to get a flu vaccine every year?
Yes. A person’s immune protection from a past vaccination declines over time, so an annual vaccination gives the best protection against the flu.
Another reason is because flu viruses quickly adapt to the vaccines and can be immune to them. New flu vaccines are created every year to keep up with these evolving viruses.
Does the flu vaccine make you sick?
Some people report having mild reactions to flu vaccination. The most common side effects are soreness, redness, tenderness or swelling where the shot was given. Low-grade fever, headache and muscle aches also may occur. If these reactions occur, they usually begin soon after the shot and last 1-2 days.
Over the past 50 years, hundreds of millions of Americans have safely received flu vaccines. Join them and get your flu shot at CBI.
Call 877.612.3522 today to make an appointment and save yourself from catching the flu this year!
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD)