Myths Regarding The Flu Shot, Such As Waiting For Winter To Get The Vaccine

Oct 10, 2018 by apost team

The flu is a serious illness in which people can even die from. In the US alone, there was a record number of over 80,000 deaths last year.

This is why it is extremely important to take all measures possible not to catch this disease. One of the most preventative ways to avoid contracting the flu is the flu vaccine.

Due to many myths and false information, there are large amounts of people that avoid this vaccination. Here are some facts to put your mind at rest.

It is recommended by the American Academy of Family Physicians that anyone over six months of age receive this vaccine. The only restriction would be if the patient has issues with their health such as a complication that would make the vaccine not advisable.

The vaccine is even recommended for women who are pregnant, although they would need to receive the inactive version.

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Pregnant women can safely receive the injection. Not only can they receive the vaccine but they need it. Being pregnant can put them in an even greater risk of becoming severely ill if they were to contract the flu.

The flu vaccine used on pregnant women is the inactive version which means it isn't live and can't cause any harm or risks to the unborn baby.

There are many places that now offer the vaccine such as pharmacies and grocery stores. They all carry the same vaccines.

It is recommended by the American Academy of Family Physicians that you routinely receive your influenza vaccination annually. The flu strain can change and mutate which would cause your last year's vaccine to be useless.

The importance of receiving your vaccine annually can't be stressed enough.

It is true that certain people do fall into the category of people who shouldn't receive the vaccine due to compromised immune systems, however, the majority of us do not. The flu vaccine works best when more people take the vaccine. This is called "herd immunity".

The more people that are less likely to contract the illness, the less likely it will be spread to others, especially those that can't protect themselves with the vaccination.

The vaccine that is given contains the inactivated virus.

This means that it is not possible to contract the actual virus from the vaccination.

You can definitely experience side effects. Some mild side effects include body aches, mild fever, headaches, and sometimes nausea.

If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, you should call your doctor immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction are difficulty breathing, swelling in your mouth or mouth area, swelling of the eye, sometimes a rash, and hoarseness of speech.

On average, there are at least three different types of the flue vaccine. The vaccines are made with different types of the strains that are currently active. Most treatment facilities carry the quadrivalent inactivated vaccine.

The facility where you receive your vaccine will determine which type will work best for you and your health.

Many studies have been completed regarding this accusation. There simply hasn't been any link found between autism and the flu vaccine (Here is one of many available on the internet to prove it). This information comes straight from the CDC.

Even if you have a severe allergic reaction to eggs, you can safely receive the injection.

The AAFP and CDC have both verified that a person with a history of severe allergy to eggs can be vaccinated.

These patients should receive their vaccines at an inpatient or outpatient facility, which includes a doctor's office. This is because a physician or clinician will need to oversee the patient after the vaccine is administered.

They will know what to look for if any severe reactions occur. They will also be able to treat you if necessary.

Flu seasons can fluctuate a little but is typically October to March. With that being said, it is possible to contract the virus at any time of the year.

Simply waiting until it is colder will not make any difference, other than you will be going that much longer without the protection from the flu.

Will you be getting your flu vaccination this year? Do you normally get your yours every year? Let us know in the comments.

Is there someone that came to mind that you may need to pass this information along to? Make sure you do - it's crucial that we are all well informed on such an important subject!

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation with your doctor. Your health is important to us!