Thanks for joining us on Talk Tuesdays!  Today we have Dr. Coleman, a general surgeon to talk to us about the flu vaccine! 

•  Let’s start by talking about current recommendations. What is the guideline for vaccination against the flu
  • The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone over the age of 6 months be vaccinated against the flu virus this year. With a few exceptions, Americans should get their shots around October this year.
  • Also The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends a yearly flu shot for everyone over six months old. This is because it can safely and effectively prevent severe illness.\
• Is the flu vaccine safe?
  • Flu vaccines contain dead or weakened forms of the Influenza virus. When your body receives this part of the virus, it begins to build up a natural defense system and creates antibodies. These antibody proteins help your body fight infection. They work to keep you healthy later if you are exposed to a live virus.
  • Vaccination is safe. Healthcare providers have administered flu vaccines for over 50 years. Over this time, a lot of research has evaluated the effectiveness and safety of immunizations. Certainly, the risk of life-threatening reactions is minuscule. Furthermore, manufacturers demonstrate the safety of their drugs before the FDA gives their approval.
•  So when would it not be safe to get a flu shot, or who should NOT get a flu shot?
  • The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) warns some individuals to talk to their doctor about the flu shot if they have certain contraindications. This means a specific situation, condition, or factor that could make a treatment unsafe or even harmful. For instance, egg allergy prevents some from getting a flu shot. This is a contraindication because manufacturers use eggs to make the vaccine. Therefore, the flu shot may contain trace amounts of ovalbumin (egg protein). In addition to contraindications, there are precautions for some individuals. For example, those with a history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome or who have an illness with fever may want to discuss vaccination with their doctor.
• Are there any risks to getting the flu shot?
  •  The flu shot may cause reactions. These are typically mild and go away within 48 – 72 hours. They may include:
    • Injection site soreness
    • Headache
    • Muscle aches
    • Low-grade fever
  • In some cases, more severe reactions occur. These could be signs of a rare allergic reaction to the vaccine. If these signs or symptoms arise, you must seek medical attention right away:
    • Wheezing or difficulty breathing
    • Skin reaction or hives
    • Dizziness, weakness, or fainting
• What are the risks associated with not getting vaccinated?
  • The risk of not getting vaccinated is getting sick. You could miss work or school, incur medical costs, or suffer mild to moderate health complications. Most healthy adults deal with a minor case of the flu virus by staying home and taking over the counter medication to ease symptoms. The infection generally lasts a 7-14 days.
• What about more serious complications, like being hospitalized? Is it possible to require hospitalization from the flu?
  • Those considered "high-risk" could suffer much more serious cases. Some possible complications include hospitalization and even death. Here are some factors that put you in the high-risk category:
    • Adults over the age of 60
    • Pregnant women
    • Children under the age of 12
    • Individuals with underlying health conditions such as heart conditions, HIV, asthma, or diabetes

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