The flu season has begun! We are seeing a few new cases. Now is the time to start thinking about getting your vaccination for this year. Here are a few facts about the vaccination.

• The heaviest season is January through March but can start early and last right into April and May.


• The recommended timeframe for vaccinations is late October, early November.


• The injection requires a 2-4 week period of immunity development before protection is provided, and lasts for approximately 3-4 months.


• Flu shots are a seasonal vaccination, as the type of influenza strain varies from year to year.


• There are very few side effects from the immunization- low-grade fever, headache, minimal muscle aches, and sore arm at injection site. These are generally short lived and can be managed with acetaminophen or ibuprophen.


• The flu shot is recommended for those who have chronic illness/ multiple illnesses at any age, decreased immune response (receiving chemotherapy, HIV), elderly, health care workers.


• Vaccinations can be given to anyone, unless they are allergic to eggs, have had a severe reaction in the past, or are currently ill with an infection. If you are ill wait until any fever or symptoms of the illness are resolved before requesting an immunization


• Only about 82-84% of those who receive the vaccination will develop immunity to the vaccination, but those odds are better than not getting the immunization at all.


• Symptoms of the flu include fever, cough, headache, body aches, sore throat, and occasionally some nausea and vomiting.


• Influenza is a viral illness that can be managed with anti viral medications if caught early in the first 48 hours of the illness. Antibiotics will not treat or lessen the influenza symptoms, but may be needed to treat the complications of the illness, i.e. Pneumonia.


• The virus is highly contagious, spread through droplet infection while blowing nose, sneezing, or coughing. If you or a family/coworker suspects that they have the flu, it is best to stay at home.


• Complications of influenza include sinus infections, bronchitis, and pneumonia. The illness varies in length from one person to another but in general it may last from 3-10 days, depending on the health of the patient, smoking status, and how soon they treated the illness.


• The impact on the patient with influenza can be significant, not only physically but financially, if out of work for a prolonged period of time, without sick time or medical insurance.


• Flu shots are available in many places today-grocery stores, drug stores, urgent care centers, and your family doctor. The cost may vary with the average around -. Medicare patients may receive theirs free at their medical facility.

I have heard every excuse from a patient why they won’t get a flu shot- but once one has had the illness they will tell you they won’t neglect to get theirs the next year. How about you? Are you ready?