Why
you should consider getting a flu shot
Its
fall and that means that the flu season is upon us. Some of you may have
already gotten the flu vaccine, but for those who haven’t it’s not too late.
For
the most part, we underestimate the seriousness of the flu and place it next to
the common cold. This is a common misconception, but just so you know, the
Influenza virus is considerably more serious in nature.
As
per CDC estimates, it has caused between 140,000 to 710,000 hospitalizations
and as many as 12,000 and 56,000 deaths annually in the U.S. since 2010.
A yearly flu vaccine is the first step towards gaining protection
against this disease and the CDC recommends it for everyone who is 6 months of
age and older.
What
can the flu do?
Initially,
flu viruses will infect your nose, throat and lungs, but it can go on to cause
a wide range of complications. While sinus and ear infections are moderate
complications, Pneumonia is a serious flu complication that arises either due
to the flu infection itself or if you’re simultaneously infected by bacteria as
well as the flu virus.
Other
more serious complications include inflammation of the heart, brain or muscle.
It can also cause multi-organ failure. An extreme inflammatory response can
result in sepsis.
In
the past 7 flu seasons, influenza vaccination prevented around 5.3 million
illnesses and 85,000 hospitalizations and as per the CDC a mere 5% increase in
the number of vaccinations could have further prevented as many as 483,000
influenza illnesses/. It would have stopped another two hundred thousand plus
influenza-associated medical visits, and around seven thousand
influenza-associated hospitalizations across the U.S.A.
Who
is at risk?
While
anyone can get the flu, some people are susceptible to a more severe form of
infection. These include:
*
Children younger than 5 years old, particularly those that are younger than 2
years old
*
People older than 65 years old
*
People suffering from asthma or chronic lung disease
*
People with neurological conditions, heart disease and those suffering from
blood, liver, kidney, endocrine and metabolic disorders
*
People whose immune system has recently been compromised due to an illness
*
Pregnant women
How
effective is the flu shot?
Since
there are different strains of the influenza virus each year, the flu vaccine
needs to be modified accordingly to target the particular strain that will
circulate that year. However, there is no way of knowing which strain it might
be. Thus, the effectiveness of the vaccine is somewhat compromised. Despite this, the CDC still heavily recommends
that you get the flu vaccine as it offers at least some degree of protection
even if it’s not completely effective in preventing the disease. Also, since
the influenza virus is transmittable, it is logical to assume that if a fewer
number of people get sick, then the virus won’t be able to penetrate as deeply
and spread.
Besides
CDC, other professional medical groups like the American Academy of Pediatrics,
the National Foundation of Infectious Diseases and the American Medical
Association also recommend an annual flu vaccine.
What
flu vaccines are available for 2018-2019?
There
are several options for the 2018-2019 flu season, these include:
*
Standard dose flu shots given into the muscle. A needle is used to inject
these, but for some people between the ages of 18 and 64 years old, a jet
injector can be used.
*
Shots made with adjuvant. These are suitable for older people.
*
Shots made the help of virus previously grown via cell culture technique.
*
Shots made using vaccine production technology. These do not employ the flu
virus and follow a different mechanism.
*
The nasal spray vaccine, also known as the live attenuated influenza vaccine
(LAIV). This is recommended for use in non-pregnant individuals between the
ages of 2 and 49 years. People with underlying medical conditions are advised
against using the nasal spray flu vaccine.
What
are the side-effects?
The
influenza vaccine is made from an inactivated or weakened version of the
influenza virus so you might experience flu-like symptoms post vaccination.
These will subside however, and you won’t suffer from a full bout of the flu.
There may also be some redness or swelling in the arm that was administered the
flu shot, and low-grade fever. The side-effects are not really a matter of
concern because really it just means that the vaccine is working and will be
able to protect you from the actual virus.
Will
last year’s flu shot work?
No.
There are two reasons for this. First, the immune response generated by last
year’s vaccine has gradually declined. Therefore, you need to be injected with
a new one for continued protection.
Another
thing with the flu virus is that it is constantly changing in form. The flu
vaccine is also analyzed accordingly and redesigned to combat new forms of the
virus each year.
Where
can you get one?
Flu
vaccines are easily available at doctor’s offices, clinics, pharmacies and
college health centers. Many employers and schools offer them as well.
It
is recommended to get a flu shot before the virus starts spreading in your
community as it takes around 2 weeks for your body to build up a sufficient
immune response to protect you from it. If you’re looking to get one, it is
best not to wait around and get one as soon as possible to ensure maximum
protection.
When
should you avoid a flu shot?
While
the CDC recommends that anyone older than 6 months get the flu shot, including
pregnant women and people with chronic health conditions, there are exceptions.
If you’re severely allergic to the components in the flu shot then you should
not get vaccinated. If you have ever had the Guillan-Barré Syndrome (An immune
disorder), then consult your doctor before getting a flu shot.
One
of the components involved in the manufacturing of flu vaccines are eggs but as
per the CDC, even if you suffer from egg allergies, you can still get the flu
shot. In case your allergies are serious and you are concerned side effects
from vaccinations, please consult your doctor.
*** Dr.
Matthew Bogard practices Emergency Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska. Matt Bogard
grew up near Omaha, Nebraska. During his time at Nebraska College of Medicine,
he was selected to join the Advanced Rural Training Program, a four-year
residency program that trains physicians to provide comprehensive full-spectrum
medical care. During his residency, Dr. Bogard served on the Board of Directors
of the Nebraska Academy of Family Physicians, was active with the Nebraska
Medical Association, mentored multiple medical students and was honored by the
Nebraska Legislature as “Family Physician of the Day.” Dr. Bogard primarily
practices Emergency Medicine.
Website:
https://matthewbogardmd.com/
LinkedIn
Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewbogard/
Dr. Matthew Bogard, Iowa doctor, is an emergency medicine doctor primarily at the Lucas County Health Center in Chariton, Iowa. Presently, he is Board Certified in Family Medicine by the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons and the American Academy of Family Physicians.
