What the CDC wants you to know about the flu shot
Every year the flu season hits, leaving millions of people vulnerable to the virus and its complications. The best way to prevent getting infected with the flu is by taking the flu shot. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, recommends everyone above the age of 6 months should get vaccinated.
How does the flu shot work?
The flu shot is made up of inactivated viruses that are forecasted to be prevalent during that particular flu season. The vaccine helps your body create antibodies against these viruses, which ultimately helps protect you from getting infected. The flu shot does not give you the flu because the viruses in the vaccine have been killed.
Who should get the flu shot?
The CDC recommends getting the flu shot every year for everyone older than six months, particularly for individuals who are at a higher risk of getting the flu, such as:
– Pregnant women
– People aged 65 years and older
– Young children
– Individuals with chronic health conditions
– Healthcare workers
Benefits of the flu shot
Getting the flu shot can significantly reduce your chances of getting sick with the flu, leading to lower instances of flu-related complications. According to the CDC, the flu shot has several benefits, including:
– Reducing the severity and duration of flu symptoms
– Lowering the risk of flu-associated hospitalization
– Reducing the number of flu-related deaths
Side effects of the flu shot
The flu shot is generally safe, but some people may experience mild side effects such as:
– Redness and soreness at the injection site
– Low-grade fever
– Body aches
These side effects are typically short-lived and go away on their own. Allergic reactions to the flu shot are rare, but If you have a history of severe allergic reactions, talk to your doctor before getting vaccinated.
Myths about the flu shot
There are several misconceptions about the flu shot that could make people reluctant to get vaccinated. Let’s debunk some of the most common myths:
– Myth: The flu shot can give you the flu.
– Fact: The flu shot does not give you the flu because the viruses in the vaccine have been killed.
– Myth: You only need to get the flu shot once in your lifetime.
– Fact: You need to get vaccinated every year because the viruses in the vaccine change every year.
– Myth: The flu shot is not effective.
– Fact: The flu shot is effective in preventing the flu for most people who get vaccinated.
Takeaways
Getting vaccinated against the flu is safe and effective, reducing the risk of getting infected, spreading the virus, and suffering from flu-related complications. Everyone aged six months and older, particularly those at risk of flu-related complications, should get vaccinated every year. If you have concerns about the flu shot, speak to your healthcare provider to address any questions or concerns.
