Is It Contagious? | Should You Get a Flu Shot?

Should You Get a Flu Shot?

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I was never one to get a Flu vaccine – didn’t believe in them, always healthy, too busy, you know, the usual excuses. After battling the worst (and first in years) upper respiratory infection and getting a lecture from my doctor, I am beginning to rethink this whole flu shot thing. Now having the shot probably would not have prevented the infection entirely, it surely would have made it less severe. Another family member came down with the same virus (but had their shot about two months ago) and it only lasted a few days. Mine? Going on 2 weeks.

There are several things that I did not understand about the flu shot – there are probably others who think the same way I thought – so this information is for you.

You cannot catch the flu from a shot. The virus in the flu vaccine has been inactivated, so its dead – not a live virus. Getting the shot gives you part of the inactive virus and your body then produces antibodies against the virus.

Flu shots are about 70% effective in preventing the flu all-together. If you do happen to get it, the vaccine will prevent a severe case (I’ve seen it work now).

I always thought that only the elderly, or those working in the healthcare profession needed to get the flu shot – not so. Flu shots benefit healthy adults and children in that they help to prevent getting the virus and thus help prevent the spread of the virus to others.

Just about anyone can get a flu shot – only those allergic to eggs, or those who have had allergic reactions in the past cannot. There may be a few other instances, so check with your doctor.

Too sick to do it now, but I’m definitely getting one next year!

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