Perhaps the best way to protect yourself from illness during the winter months is by getting your Flu Shot. Doctors recommend it, many health care workers are required to have it, and it’s easily accessible as most pharmacies even offer it. So why are so many people hesitant to get their annual flu vaccine shot? Let’s talk a little bit about people’s hesitation to get “the shot” and the reasons why it’s better for your health to do it.
It seems that the most common criticism of the flu vaccine is that people just don’t like shots. They hurt. They make your arm sore. There’s nothing fun about either of those things. But when people really look at the benefits of the few seconds of pain and the 24 hours of soreness, it’s easy to see that the benefits far outweigh the temporary discomfort. While it’s true that the flu vaccine doesn’t protect against all strains of the influenza virus and it doesn’t guarantee that you won’t end up with the flu, biting the bullet and getting the shot does dramatically decrease your chances of getting sick with the flu.
Also, much to contrary belief, getting the flu vaccine will in no way give you the flu. The flu vaccines that are given today do not contain a live virus and therefore cannot actually give you the flu. The flu vaccine is typically available at doctor’s offices, pharmacies, and urgent care clinics, such as the Midwest Express Clinic. While it is recommended that everyone receive the flu vaccine, it is especially critical for women who are pregnant, small children under the age of 5, those over the age of 65, and those with compromised immune systems.
The Centers for Disease Control suggests that the best time to be vaccinated against the flu is before October. While flu season isn’t usually in full effect until January, cases can be seen as early as October. It takes about 2 weeks for the vaccine to become effective once you receive your shot, so make sure you plan ahead and get your flu vaccine as soon as it’s available. Make sure your protect yourself, your family, and those around you this year by getting your Flu Shot.