Can you believe we are already talking about flu again? Believe it or not, we are soon approaching, if not already in, “flu season.” While, historically, December through March have been the most common months for influenza, it is not uncommon for cases of the flu to start popping up earlier. The CDC recommends a flu shot for everyone 6 months and older – and for good reason. It is estimated that each year (depending on how severe) influenza kills any where from 3,000 to 49,000 people. In most cases, the flu is something we can prevent simply by having the annual vaccination.
With the threat of influenza, why do many people still opt to not get a flu shot each year?
Of course, there are reasons why one should not have a flu shot: people who have experienced a severe (life threatening) allergic response to flu vaccination in the past and people who have a severe allergy to any component of the vaccine. If you are allergic to eggs, discuss with your provider, as there are other vaccinations that do not contain eggs.
So, what are the most common reasons people do not get flu shots?
1. “I’ve never taken it and I never get the flu.”
Ok, maybe you haven’t gotten the flu for the past 15 years. You’re a lucky guy or gal! But, this year could be the year that you do get it. I think we can all agree that being sick is no fun and if there’s a simple shot to prevent it, why not? Plus, the flu can be really bad for children, the elderly, or those with chronic medical conditions. Not only are you protecting yourself from the flu, you are protecting others around you as well.
2. “The flu shot makes me sick and gives me the flu”
Most flu shots do not contain any live virus, so it is impossible for the shot to give you the flu. Some people may confuse a bad cold or other virus with the flu and think that the flu shot caused this. The flu shot does not give people the flu, period. While uncommon, it can cause some people to have some side effects like achiness, soreness at the injection, a headache, nausea, and a low grade fever. These symptoms are very mild compared to how the flu can make you feel.
3. “I got the shot last year and still got sick.”
Flu shots are updated each year to keep up with the strains of flu that are predicted to be most common in a flu season. Your immunity to the flu after the flu shot will also continue to decrease as times passes. So, last year’s shot is not going to protect you this year.
4. “It’s too risky. I’ve heard bad things.”
According to the CDC, flu vaccines are among the safest medical products in use. The flu shot can make some people feel a little achy or even cause a little pain and redness at the injection site; however, serious allergic reactions to the flu shot are very rare (estimated to be 1 in a million according to the CDC). While reactions can be life-threatening, they occur within a few minutes to a few hours after having the shot and there are effective treatments available to counter these [reactions].
5. “It’s too late. Flu season is almost over.”
Of course, getting vaccinated early is best and will give you the best protection throughout flu season. However, if it’s later in the season and you haven’t received a flu shot, you can AND should get it because you can still get the flu. While the peak month for the flu has usually been January, cases have been reported well into Spring.
Discuss with your provider if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to the flu vaccine, if you are allergic to eggs, or if you have ever had Guillain-Barré syndrome.