The flu, or influenza, is a contagious disease caused by the influenza virus.  The seasonal flu affects millions of people every year with an average of over 200,000 requiring hospitalization.  For many people the flu is an annoyance but it can be deadly, claiming, on average, over 30,000 lives each year.  Children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems are most at risk from the flu.

Symptoms of the flu include:

• fever
• cough
• sore throat
• headache and body aches
• chills
• fatigue

For most people the flu lasts only a few days, however, some will become much sicker.  The flu can be treated with anti-viral medication such as Tamiflu.  You can help prevent contracting the seasonal flu by getting an annual flu shot.

The flu shot is an inactivated influenza vaccine injected into the muscle.  The vaccine changes each year, just as the flu virus changes each year, the vaccine contains the strains that they health community believes will be the prevalent strains for the upcoming season.  It is recommended that the following groups of people get vaccinated every year:

• Children 6 months and older.
• Adults over 50
• Anyone with a compromised immune system, including, people with HIV/AIDS and those undergoing cancer treatment.
• Anyone at an increased risk of complications from the flu, including, pregnant women, people with heart or lung disease, asthma, kidney or liver disease, or blood disorders
• Anyone with a muscle or nerve disorder including seizure disorders and cerebral palsy.
• Anyone undergoing long-term aspirin treatment.
• Residents of chronic-care facilities including nursing homes.
• Anyone who lives with or cares for people in the high risk groups above.

The risks and side effects of the flu vaccine are minimal and occur in only a small percentage of those who get the vaccine.  The risks and side effects include:

Mild Reactions (usually occur soon after the shot is given and last only 1-2 days):

• Soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site.
• fever
• aches

Severe, life-threatening allergic reactions are possible with an vaccine, but are extremely rare.  Severe allergic reactions usually occur within a few minutes to a few hours after the vaccine is administered.  Signs of a severe reaction include: high fever, behavior changes, difficulty breathing, wheezing, hives, weakness, rapid heart beat or dizziness.  If you experience any unusual symptoms after the flu shot you should call your doctor.

Most doctors offices have flu vaccines available now.  Call your doctor to schedule your appointment to help avoid getting sick from this seasons flu.  My daughter got her shot today and I’ll be getting mine next week.

If you have questions or concerns about the flu vaccine you should talk to your doctor.