Flu Vaccine For Flu Prevention – 5 Facts You Should Know

1. Why should I get the ‘flu vaccine? I’m healthy

No, the flu vaccine is for ALL people except for a small minority who should not receive it. By vaccinating yourself, YOU HELP PREVENT THE SPREAD OF THE VIRUS to other family members, workmates and friends. The vaccine can’t protect against all types of influenza virus, but the vaccine does give protection from the most common types of virus.

2. I don’t want to get the vaccine because I got the ‘flu from taking it last time.

Every now and then I hear this complaint from people. I don’t doubt that they got sick from some sort of viral illness, but it wasn’t caused by the vaccine and here’s why:

The virus in the vaccine is dead. The dead virus stimulates the immune system to develop antibodies to the virus but it takes about 2 weeks to build up your immunity. During this period of time, you can get the flu or any other type of viral infection that is not covered by the flu vaccine.

The flu vaccine gives protection against the 3 most common types of flu that researchers have determined are likely to be prevalent this season. If you are infected with any of these three strains, the flu vaccine will provide immunity for you or lessen the severity of the flu. If you are infected with a strain related to these three, then you will have some protection from the virus.

3. How is the virus spread?

Coughing (which expels mucus and water over 100 mph) and sneezing (which expels mucus and water at about 60 mph) cause droplets which contain the flu virus to be inhaled by others nearby. In addition, the virus can remain alive on objects such as doorknobs, telephones or desktops for up to 8 hours.

Because you are infectious 1 day before getting symptoms you can end up infecting someone before you know you’re sick. Keep in mind that you are contagious up to 5 days after getting sick (7 days for children).

4. Who should get the vaccine?

anyone 50 and older anyone with a chronic illness such as diabetes, heart, lung or kidney disease anyone who is on an immunosuppressant pregnant women children between 6 months of age and 19 years old residents of nursing homes or other long-term care facilities anyone who works with infants (infants can’t get the vaccine) or takes care of sick people or who comes in contact with the elderly anyone who doesn’t want to get the flu
5. Preventing the flu

The single best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccine each fall. Other ways to prevent the flu include:

Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you’re sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too. Stay home when you are sick (from work, school and errands!) Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Wash your hands after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth without washing your hands first (wash for 15-20 seconds)

The vaccine is generally available in October. Don’t worry about waiting to get the vaccine until November or December because immunity lasts right through the flu season (till about April). The peak flu months are January and February but outbreaks have been known to occur as early as October.

So do yourself and your family a favor – increase your chances of staying well this season and help protect others in your family by getting the flu vaccine.