With the start of fall, we have officially entered into flu season. Did you know that according to the CDC between 71% and 85% of flu-related deaths occur in people 65 years of age and older? The flu shot is strongly recommended for aging adults, who are at a high risk of health complications from the flu. Here is everything you need to know about the flu vaccine.
The flu shot is strongly recommended for aging adults, who are at an increased risk of health complications from the flu. The flu vaccine takes about 2-weeks for the antibodies to develop. This means that the earlier you get your vaccine this year the better! If you haven't yet, schedule your appointment with your physician or your local clinic to be a part of a community-wide prevention initiative. According to the CDC, flu vaccinations in 2018-2019 prevented an estimated 4.4 million influenza illnesses, 2.3 million influenza-associated medical visits, 58,000 influenza-associated hospitalizations, and 3,500 influenza-associated deaths.
Here is everything you need to know about the flu vaccine.
Flu Shot FAQ’s
Is a flu vaccine needed every year? Absolutely, yes. The flu can cause: fever, headaches, sore throat, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and other harmful health conditions. If you get it, you can expect to bedridden for as long as a week or more.
Each year a vaccine is created to prevent the common flu strain for that year. It will give you the best protection against the flu.
When should I get my flu shot? As soon as it is available each year. It is strongly recommended to get it no later than the end of October.
If you do it later, don’t worry, you can and should still get the shot. The vaccine will provide protection against the strain throughout the flu season. Your age group will help to ensure you obtain a flu shot based on supply.
Where can I get the flu shot? You can get the shot at your doctor’s office, health clinics, local pharmacies (like CVS or Walgreens) and other urgent care facilities.
Can I be allergic to the flu shot? In very rare cases you may develop an allergic reaction but most people will just have a sore arm after the shot. A severe allergic reaction may include hives, swelling, or dizziness. If you are at high risk of an allergic reaction your physician will discuss alternative options with you.
How much does the flu shot cost? First, check with your insurance provider to see if you are covered for a free shot. Also, check with your employer as they may offer annual shots.
If you get a shot at CVS or other pharmacies you can expect to spend around $31.99. If you have Medicare Part B, you will most likely get one flu shot covered each season (check with your provider first).
Is there only one type of flu shot? No, for those aged 65+ there are actually two vaccines designed for their immune system:
- The “high dose vaccine” is designed specifically for people 65 and older and contains four times the amount of antigen as the regular flu shot. It is associated with a stronger immune response following vaccination (higher antibody production).
- The adjuvanted flu vaccine, Fluad, is made with MF59 adjuvant which is designed to help create a stronger immune response to vaccination.
Should I get the nasal spray or the injectable vaccine? The flu shot is the best way to get the vaccine into your body. The CDC recommends the injectable vaccine for the 2017-2018 flu season instead of the nasal spray.
Does the vaccine have side effects? Getting a flu shot will not give you the flu illness. The only side effect may be a sore or tender arm. There are no immediate flu complications from the vaccine, however, you can anticipate serious effects of the flu without one.
How long is the flu season? It will last throughout the fall and winter. The flu will start to break out in October and can last through May. Getting the vaccine early is in your best interest, as well as for those you love.
Can you see if the flu is near me? You can actually watch the spread of flu activity through several different sites. One site is the Flu Near you, which is a map of where flu activity and symptoms have been cited. You will be able to track hospitalizations and deaths related to the flue throughout the country.
Can I still get the flu even after getting the vaccine? If you contract the virus before getting vaccinated, then you may get the flu. You may also become ill from another virus or even the common cold that could be severe and feel like the flu. Getting the flu shot is highly recommended.
In Summary
You should contact your physician and discuss when you should get your flu shot. Keep in mind that if you protect yourself from the flu then you prevent it from spreading. It is more important now than ever to help prevent the spread of the flu virus and keep the hospitalization rates low. By doing so you will allow resources to be made available across all healthcare providers.
Getting the flu vaccine is the #1 priority during the flu season. After you get the vaccine, follow the Top 11 Tips for Keeping Yourself Healthy during cold and flu season. It can be as-easy-as washing your hands, staying hydrated and getting plenty of rest.
Help yourself but help others just as much. This flu season, do you part and keep yourself and others safe and healthy. This is for your family, friends, neighbors and your healthcare professionals that provide selfless care during daunting times. Don’t wait – the flu season starts now!
