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With the flu season just around the corner, and Swine flu (H1N1 Virus) on the rise, knowing how to get a flu shot can help save you and your family the misery of having to deal with a bad case of the flu.
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Introduction
- Anyone who has ever had a nasty case of the flu will tell you: It's not a lot of fun. The fever, the body aches, the sore throat and dry cough, the missed work and the lack of energy. Basically a bummer all around! But you don't have to just wait around to get sick this flu season. Luckily, scientists have developed an influenza vaccine (usually administered as a flu shot) that can help boost your immune system's defenses against the flu virus. Here is some information on how to protect yourself from the flu this season.
What Is A Flu Shot?
- According to MedicineNet.com, the flu (known medically as influenza) is a viral infection that attacks the human respiratory system - primarily the lungs.[1] It is highly infectious and can be transmitted through the air or from close contact with an infected person. The flu is one of the most common illnesses around, with upwards of 20% of the population getting the flu each year.[2]
- Here are some facts about the vaccine that was created to fight this pesky virus, courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Web MD and MedicineNet.com:
- Each flu shot contains an inactivated vaccine (in other words "a killed influenza virus") that works by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies that are used to fight the influenza virus.[3]
- Since common strains of influenza may change from year to year, each year's vaccine is specially designed to fight the most likely types and strains of the virus.[4]
- There is currently no vaccine available for the public to threat the Bird Flu (Avian Influenza), but the U.S. government has an emergency stock available in case of an pandemic.[5]
- There is currently no vaccine approved specifically for the Swine Flu, but regular flu vaccine might provide some protection.[6]
- Because influenza strains can change quickly, you will need to get a new flu shot every year.
- The influenza vaccine usually takes about two weeks to reach its full effectiveness.[7]
- Flu shots are administered with a needle, usually into the muscles in your arm.[8]
When To Get A Flu Shot
- While the exact length and starting date of each year's flu season may vary, (sometimes as early as October until as late as May),[1] there are a few simple guidelines that you can follow:
Who Should Get A Flu Shot
- While anyone that wants to receive a flu shot can usually get vaccinated, there are certain groups of people that are at higher risk of health problems related to influenza, and who should get vaccinated every year. Partly in response to vaccination shortages in recent years, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices came up with a list of high-risk groups, and those who shouldn't get the vaccine:[1]
Who Shouldn't Get A Flu Shot
- Most people can be vaccinated safely, but there are a few groups that should never get a flu shot:[1]
- Children under 6 months old
- People who have an allergy to eggs (the ingredients for flu shots are grown in eggs)
- Anyone with Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare immune-deficiency disorder
- People who've had an allergic reaction to past influenza vaccinations
- People who are sick with the fever should wait until they are healthy
Where To Get A Flu Shot
- In general, there are different types of facilities that offer flu shots, such as health care facilities (including doctor's offices, hospitals, and pediatrician's offices), pharmacies, clinics, community groups, churches, supermarkets and shopping malls.
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- But before you go off and pay full price for a flu shot, check out these resources to see if you qualify for a free flu shot:
- Medical Insurance: If you have medical insurance, there is a good chance that they will cover the cost of a flu shot. KidsHealth.org recommends calling your health care provider to find out if it's covered by your plan, and if it is, where you can have it administered. You may need to fill out some paperwork, so be sure to ask your provider exactly what is necessary.
- Your Employer: Karen Datko, of MSN MoneyBlog notes that many companies will offer free flu shots to their employees in order to prevent the loss of productivity that can come with sick or absent workers. Check with your company's Human Resources or Medical Services department for info.
- City or State Health Department: MSN also says that local or state health agencies will sometimes offer free or subsidized flu shots to local residents as a way of preventing widespread flu outbreaks in their area. While this may be an attractive option, you may have to wait in a long line to actually get your shot.
Flu Shot Locators
- If you don't qualify for a free flu shot, or just want to skip the hassle and paperwork involved, use these helpful resources to find a retailer in your area that carries flu shots.
- American Lung Association: Flu Clinic Locator
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation: Flu Shot Finder
- Maxim Health Systems: Find a Flu Shot
Side Effects Of Flu Shots
- While the majority of people will not have a severe physical reaction to a flu shot, there are a few side effects that can occur:
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that:[1]
- Since flu shots are administered with a needle, you may experience some swelling, redness or soreness around that area of skin.
- Fever or body aches may occur, usually lasting no more than 1-2 days.
- In rare cases, a flu vaccination can cause a severe allergic reaction. If this does happen to you, contact the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program to file a claim for compensation.
Conclusion
- It's really pretty simple: No one likes having the Flu. It makes you feel tired, sick, weak - and for some segments of the population can even be life-threatening. Fortunately, the vaccine that was created to fight the influenza virus is extremely effective at helping people's immune systems resist the flu. So if you want to give yourself - and your body - the best possible chance of avoiding a nasty flu bug, follow the steps above and get yourself immunized!
