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To
Get The FLU SHOT or Not?
What is the Flu?
The flu is an acute respiratory illness (related to
breathing; i.e., your nose, throat, lungsnot your
stomach) caused by an infection from one of many influenza
viruses that exist. The infection can cause a sore throat,
stuffy nose, fever, cough, chills, muscle aches, headaches
and weakness. Serious complications include bronchitis
and pneumonia. Because the virus is spread through the
air when infected people cough or sneeze, it is very
contagious.
What is the Flu Shot?
Every year, U.S. disease control experts choose three
strains of influenza virus based on worldwide flu epidemics
and their predicted spread to this country. They use
these strains to develop a new vaccine (or "shot").
The object of a flu shot is to encourage a persons
immune system to make antibodies against the particular
organisms in the vaccine. Because the vaccine contains
no live viruses, no one can get the flu from a flu
shot!
What Are the Risks?
Unless you are allergic to eggs (egg protein is used
in the vaccine), the flu shot poses no risk. However
getting the flu does, particularly if youre in
a high risk group. Doctors recommend that people
age 65 and over, nursing home residents, people with
chronic lung conditions (such as asthma or emphysema),
people with heart conditions, diabetes, or immune system
disorders, children and teenagers receiving long-term
aspirin therapy, healthcare workers and others exposed
to those at high risk get flu shots each year.
Because the flu is viral (not bacterial) infection,
antibiotics cannot be used to treat it. If you do
get the flu, most doctors recommend bed rest, plenty
of fluids and acetaminophen (not aspirin).
The bottom line? Whether to get a flu shot is an
individual decision that must be made with a physician
who can help assess your past and current medical status
as well as the potential severity of the coming flu
season.
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