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Flu immunization Q&AQ: What exactly is the flu? A: When many of us think of the flu, what often comes to mind are symptoms that include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. This is not the flu. The flu is a respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. The symptoms of an influenza infection may include sudden onset of a high fever, body aches/pains, headache, tiredness, cough, sore throat and nasal congestion. Influenza can be a potentially fatal illness, especially in those who may have other chronic (long term) illnesses, may have an impaired immune system or are very young or very old. Q: Who should get the influenza vaccine? A: A flu shot is recommended for:
Q: What are the side effects of getting the vaccine? A: In studies among adults, the most frequent side effect of vaccination is soreness at the vaccination site (affecting 10%--64% of patients) that lasts less than 2 days. These local reactions typically are mild and rarely interfere with a person's ability to conduct usual daily activities. Fever, malaise (tiredness), myalgia (achiness), and other systemic symptoms can occur after vaccination. This most often affects persons who have not had the influenza vaccine before. Q: Are there any people who should not get the flu vaccine? A: Yes. The flu vaccine cannot be given to children who are less than 6 months old. The CDC/ACIP, also recommends that the influenza vaccine should not be given to anyone “known to have anaphylactic hypersensitivity (severe allergic reaction) to eggs or to other components of the influenza vaccine without first consulting a physician."² There is some data that may indicate that the risk for developing a rare neurological syndrome called Guillain-BarréD (GBS) increases very slightly in the period after vaccine. The overall risk is approximately 1 additional case among every 1 million persons vaccinated for the flu. Despite the extremely low incidence of GBS in the general population, persons who have had GBS before appear to have a greater likelihood of re-experiencing GBS. While it is not known if the flu vaccine specifically increases the risk, it is best to avoid vaccination for persons who are known to have had GBS within 6 weeks after a previous influenza vaccination and who are not at high risk for severe influenza complications.³ Q: Can a mother who is nursing her baby receive the influenza vaccine? A: Yes. According to the CDC/ACIP the “influenza vaccine does not affect the safety of mothers and who are breastfeeding nor the infant. Breastfeeding does not adversely affect the immune response and is not a contraindication for vaccination."4 For mother's who give birth during the flu season and have not been immunized at a prenatal visit, receiving the vaccine after the birth of their child will allow them to reduce the potential of transmitting the virus to their newborn. This is an important fact because, as noted above, children less than 6 months old are not able to receive the immunization but they are at high risk for complications and even death should they contract the virus. Remember that dads also need to receive the vaccine to protect their health and the health of their child. Q: I rarely get sick. Is it really that important that I get the flu vaccine? A: Absolutely. If you are one of those lucky people who doesn't get sick, you can look at receiving the flu vaccine as a way to “hedge your bet” to further avoid the chance of becoming ill. However, by receiving the vaccine, you will be doing something to help ensure not only your health but the health of others. It is possible for a person who did not get immunized to contract and then spread influenza to those around them, even before they know they have the flu. If you chose not to be vaccinated, you may be contributing to the spread of what is a vaccine-preventable disease that kills 36,000 Americans each year and results in the hospitalization of another 200,000. 5,6 In addition, there is emerging evidence that there may be a link between having influenza and the later occurrence heart attacks, stroke and other cerebrovascular diseases. 7,8,9,10 So think of it this way, if you receive the flu shot, you will be decreasing the number of people who can get the flu and possibly improving someone's health (maybe yours???) in the future. Hear Dr. John Whitcomb explain the value of a flu shot. Q: I have heard that you can get the flu from the vaccine itself? A: There are two ways that you can receive the flu vaccine. One way is the traditional shot in the arm. The second is a new method of delivering the vaccine that does not require a shot. This version is inhaled through your nose and is called FluMist™. The shot version of influenza vaccine does not contain any live virus. With no live virus, it is impossible to develop the flu. The inhaled version does contain live virus. This means that it is possible to get sick from this version because the virus is alive. It also means that it is possible that you can, unknowingly, spread live flu virus (through sneezing, coughing, etc.) to others, including those who may be a high risk for the complications of the flu. This can happen anywhere you are: at work, in the grocery store, at church, etc. It is believed that you may possibly remain “contagious” for up to seven days after receiving the vaccine this way. Unlike the shot version of the vaccine, only healthy people (those with no risk factors or chronic illnesses) between the ages of 5 and 49 years may receive the inhaled vaccine. Q: What do I have to do to get the influenza vaccine? A: As part of Aurora's commitment to the health and well being of communities that we serve, the Aurora VNA will be holding a large number of Shoo the Flu clinics throughout our area. A number of companies offer the flu shot to their employees. If the company you work for does, this is an easy way to get immunized. Another way you can get the flu shot is from your personal doctor. All you need to do is call the office and ask for a flu shot appointment. Many insurance plans cover the cost of the vaccine. If you (or a family member or friend) are on Medicare, the cost of the shot is covered with no co-payment. References:
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