Gay or Straight - The Flu Doesn't Discriminate!
It is that time of year again when the temperature finally starts to drop and the “Flu” season begins! Many Ignite readers have asked me whether they should get the influenza vaccination. Here are answers for some questions I have recently been asked:
Should I get vaccinated?
Yes~ if you are able! Everyone who is over 6 months old should be getting the flu vaccine annually. We have just survived a serious outbreak of H1N1 influenza virus two years ago. It was the first flu pandemic in more than 40 years. To continue to keep risk low and prevent future pandemics, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend universal flu vaccination.
What is the flu shot?
It may surprise you that each year a new vaccine is created.
Virus protection is chosen by the Food and Drug Administration
based on recommendations by the World Health Organization. This
year, three viruses were targeted and include an influenza A
(H1N1) virus, an influenza A (H3N2) virus, and an influenza B
virus. You can get this delivered by either an injection or nasal
spray.
There are three injectable vaccines available this year. The
regular flu “shot” is an inactivated vaccine (containing killed
virus) that is given by syringe into the muscle of your arm. It
is thought to be over 70% effective in protecting you against the
flu. It can be given to most people above the age of 6 months.
Last year, a high dose vaccine was approved for people 65 years
and older and is also given into the muscle. New for this year is
an intradermal vaccine for people 18 to 64 years of age. It is
given into the “dermis” or skin. You can also get another type of
vaccine that is made with live, weakened flu viruses (that do not
cause the flu) and given as a nasal spray~ great for those who
don’t like needles. It can be used by healthy people from 2 to 49
years of age. Don’t get the vaccines if you have a fever, severe
reaction to either chicken eggs or the flu vaccine or ever had
Guillain –Barrė syndrome. Talk with your health care provider if
you are not sure.
How do I avoid the flu?
You can keep healthier by washing your hands or using a hand sanitizer product often, covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and avoiding contact with those who are sick. Remember you need to stay home too if you become sick. Here’s to wishing you a healthier and flu-free autumn!
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