4 Crucial Things You Need to Know About the Flu Shot
Flu
season is around the corner, and according to the experts, the best way to ward off the virus is to get the flu shot. The
information below will guide you through factors about the flu shot you
may not know. This includes the best time to get the shot (and no, as
soon as possible is not the right answer); the best vaccine to ask for
(there are several to choose from); where to go for it; and how much it
will cost, as well as how effective it will be. Below are four crucial
factors you need to know about this year's flu shot:
1. When should you get the flu shot?
The
flu vaccine is widely available in most doctors' offices and
pharmacies. But you may want to wait to get yours until October - this
is the optimal time to get the vaccine, according to the experts. The doctors also recommend
getting vaccinated by the end of October. The reason is that some
researchers suggest the vaccine's effectiveness begins to drop after
four months or so, particularly in older adults.
The
flu season typically runs from October to March, but it is possible
that you may still get the flu in May. For this reason, getting your
shot too early could leave you more vulnerable to the disease later on,
particularly toward the end of the peak period for catching the flu,
which is primarily from December to February. In case you're worried you
miss the window, it's never too late to get vaccinated, even in
November, December or January.
2. Which type of shot should you get?
There
are several different types of flu vaccines, all of which have been
updated for the 2018-19 flu season to better match the viruses that will
be circulating. Nearly all of this year’s varieties will be
quadrivalent vaccines, which protect against four different strains of
flu. If you are over 50, but younger than 65. Any of the regular-dose
vaccines are fine, except for nasal spray, which is recommended for
people up to the age of 49.
Those
aged 65 or older who are especially vulnerable to the flu and often get
sicker when they come down with it should ask for one of two stronger
vaccines available. They can either opt for the high-dose version,
Fluzone High-Dose, which contains four times the amount of antigen as a
regular flu shot. Or FLUAD, a vaccine with adjuvant, an ingredient that
creates a stronger immune response.
3. Where should you get the shot?
You
can get the vaccine from your doctor, drugstore chains and most local
supermarkets. Many supermarkets and stores also sell the Flu shot. Some
offices also offer the option of getting the flu shot done at work.
According to a study conducted nearly 60% of employers now offer on-site flu vaccinations.
As such it doesn't matter where you get the flu shot from. Just get it
from somewhere where it is convenient for you.
Bonus: Is the flu shot safe and effective?
The flu shot is very safe and it is a myth that the shot can give you the flu. The vaccine takes 10 to 14 days to become effective after getting the shot, so it is possible that exposure to the flu in that window may make you sick. It typically lowers your risk of getting sick by 40% to 60% and reduces the severity of the disease if you do catch it.
However, in any particular year, how effective the vaccine will be is what's on everyone's minds, since the viruses in circulation change from year to year. You can further reduce your chances of getting the flu with simple, commonsense precautions, this means staying away from people who are sick and washing your hands frequently. Following this advice has been shown to reduce the spread of the disease by up to 50%.
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The flu shot is very safe and it is a myth that the shot can give you the flu. The vaccine takes 10 to 14 days to become effective after getting the shot, so it is possible that exposure to the flu in that window may make you sick. It typically lowers your risk of getting sick by 40% to 60% and reduces the severity of the disease if you do catch it.
However, in any particular year, how effective the vaccine will be is what's on everyone's minds, since the viruses in circulation change from year to year. You can further reduce your chances of getting the flu with simple, commonsense precautions, this means staying away from people who are sick and washing your hands frequently. Following this advice has been shown to reduce the spread of the disease by up to 50%.
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