You get the flu shot and then you get sick anyway, so why bother?
The influenza virus is more severe than a common cold and is spread through close contact, sneezing or coughing. The concern is that the flu can lead to more serious conditions, especially for young or elderly people with health conditions or compromised immune systems. When you have a disease that leads to the death of thousands of people in the United States every year, it is cause for concern.
People are most vulnerable to contract the flu between October and May. The A and B viruses are responsible for the seasonal epidemics every year that can lead to hospitalizations and even death. The Center for Disease Control tracks the severity of the disease through its national Influenza Surveillance System. The system tracks key data of the virus' impact on deaths, hospitalizations, pediatric deaths, and outpatient visits each year.
A combination of the viruses are included in the vaccines every year. These shots may not exactly match the virus that are likely to occur during that season, but they will offer some protection. The flu shot cannot cause the flu due to the fact there are no live viruses in the shot. Once introduced to the shot, it takes about two weeks for you body to develop protection, but it will last during the entire season.
The flu vaccine helps:
- Prevent you from getting the flu,
- Lessen symptoms if you contract the flu, and
- Prevent the spreading of the disease.
Visit the CDC's webpage to find out more about the influenza virus and how to protect yourself and your loved ones.
This is Sheila Harrell with Church Health.
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/flu.html
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/consumer/prevention.htm
http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/cold-guide/flu-cold-symptoms?page=2
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