Have you already
been vaccinated? Are you against it? Do you plan on getting it this
flu season? Here is what you need to know about this 2018-19 flu
season.
Influenza or the “flu” season
starts as early as October and can last into late spring. Flu is not
something to mess with. It can be a serious illness leading to
hospitalization or even death. Everyone is as risk for contracting
the flu, especially those with already weakened immune systems,
chronic illnesses, elderly, babies or infants, and pregnant women.
Even if you don’t fall into one of those categories, getting
vaccinated can help protect those around you by a process called herd
immunity.
Herd immunity refers to when a large
portion of a population is immunized and provides protection to those
who have not been immunized. The idea is that if a lot of people are
vaccinated against a virus or bacteria that the virus has a hard time
reaching those few who are not vaccinated.
Although body aches are the most
identifying symptom, flu symptoms can be any combination of the
following: fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose,
body aches, headaches, and tiredness or fatigue. Other symptoms
include nausea and vomiting, but are more common in children than
adults. Symptoms can develop after two days of exposure to the virus.
The CDC suggests that you get the
vaccine as soon as the virus starts spreading in your community, or
as soon as it becomes available for administration. It takes almost
14 days after receiving the vaccination in order for the antibodies
to begin to protect against the virus (CDC, 2018).
This years flu vaccines have been
updated and developed to protect against three viruses that will be
most common this flu season. Two types of vaccinations will be
available: the live nasal spray and the traditional flu shot. Talk to
your doctor or pharmacist about which one is right for you. This
year’s flu vaccine is recommended for babies 6 months and older
compared to last year’s 3-year-old requirement.
To dismiss any myths about eggs and the
flu vaccine, the CDC reminds everyone that if you only experienced
hives in reaction to an egg exposure, you are approved to get the
vaccine. If your reactions were any more severe, you must get the
vaccine administered in a medical setting with a provider who can
monitor for any type of reaction that would be a result of the
vaccine.
It is true that you can get the flu
even having the flu vaccine, but it is not from the vaccination
itself. It is possible you could be exposed to the virus before
vaccination causing illness before the antibodies can begin to
protect you. You may also be exposed to a strain of flu that the
vaccine has not been designed to protect against. Although there is
always a risk of contracting the flu after vaccination, the benefits
of getting vaccinated outweigh the risks. If you do get the flu after
being vaccinated, the symptoms are usually much milder than if you
hadn’t had the vaccine.
The vaccine is considered safe. There
are minimal side effects resulting from the injection such as redness
at injection site, soreness, and swelling.
People often confuse a common cold with
the flu. The biggest difference between the two is that flu symptoms
are abrupt while cold symptoms gradually appear. If you feel any
combination of the symptoms above, you probably have the flu. Most
flu cases are mild and do not require medical attention or antiviral
drugs. If you do feel as if you have it, please stay home and keep
out of contact with others. Urgent care clinics and doctors’
offices can perform a lab test to confirm a positive flu case. If a
person contracts the flu and is considered a high-risk patient,
hospitalization may be needed so medical providers can monitor the
patient.
Many people question Tamiflu. Here’s
the thing, it only lessens the flu virus by one day in patients who
start taking Tamiflu within 48 hours of contracting it. Tamiflu is
usually covered by insurance, but the copay may be too much to
justify paying for the prescription just to cut down the flu only one
day.
The average flu case can lasts anywhere
from one to two weeks, with the most severe symptoms last two to
three days. Recovery will stretch from a few days to two weeks.
Remember to drink plenty of fluids and get some rest.
Hopefully, you are more educated about
this year’s flu season. If I have convinced you to get vaccinated
this season, you may go to your primary care doctor, local pharmacy,
health department, clinic, or college health center. Most insurance
plans cover the flu vaccine for little to no cost to the patient.
Although the flu vaccination is the
primary preventative measure in protecting against the flu,
additional measures can be taken to help reduce spread and
contraction of the flu. Stay away from sick people. If you have to be
around them, limit contact and wear a protective facemask if
available. Cover your mouth and nose if you cough or sneeze,
preferably with a tissue. Wash your hands with soap and water.
Disinfect any commonly used surfaces such as counters, door handles,
phones, and any other objects. Also, spread the word! Help educate
those around us on the seriousness of the flu virus and how herd
immunity works to help protect others.
Join our Social Media Campaign! Follow
us on Facebook and Instagram.
@bodystructureky on Instagram and
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MyBodyStructure/
Post a picture of you getting your flu
shot with #bodystructure and #flushot. Show your friends and your
family that you got your flu shot and act as their reminder to get
theirs. Tell us why you decided to vaccinate and why they should too!
For more information on the flu vaccine
and this year’s flu season, visit the CDC’s website at https://www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm .
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018). Influenza (flu).
Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm
