December 4th marks the start of National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW). Influenza is a common but potentially deadly illness. Each year approximately 5-20% of the population gets the flu-and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from seasonal flu related complications. Flu spreads by droplets made when people with the flu cough or sneeze. The time from when a person is exposed to the flu to when symptoms begin is about 1-4 days, with an average of about 2 days. Signs and symptoms of the fluid include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose and muscle aches and pains. People at particularly high risk include children under 5 - especially children younger than 2 years old- adults over 65, pregnant women, Native Americans, and people with chronic illnesses, especially lung diseases.
Flu vaccinations really do help. About 2 weeks after vaccination, antibodies developed protect against influenza virus infection. The flu shot is almost always well tolerated. Some minor symptoms include soreness at the site the shot was given as well as a brief low-grade fever or some aches.
Rest assured that the flu shot does not cause the flu. Yes, flu can be treated with antiviral drugs but it is far better to prevent it from ever occurring. The CDC is an excellent resource to learn more about seasonal flu and vaccinations. If you have not had your flu shot yet this season, please call and schedule an appointment to do so.