Is It Too Late For The Flu Shot?
Most people who get the flu will have mild illness and will recover in less than two weeks. Some people, however, are more likely to get serious flu complications like pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections and ear infections that can result in being hospitalized and occasionally even result in death. The flu also can make chronic health problems worse. Following guidelines from the CDC, St. Francis recommends that everyone over six months of age get a flu shot, especially those with chronic lung disease, diabetes, pregnant women, those 65 and older and people living with or caring for those who are at a high risk of complications.
Where to Get a Flu Vaccine
Bon Secours Medical Group Family and Internal Medicine physicians, as well as many OB-GYN physicians, offer the flu vaccine in their offices. In addition, After Hours Urgent Care has flu vaccine on hand. If you haven't had your vaccine yet, now is the time!
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Types of Flu Vaccines
In addition to the regular flu shot that most of us are used to, there are several options for flu vaccines that have recently become available. Those include:
Intradermal flu vaccine was first made available last flu season. Approved by FDA for use in adults 18 - 64, this vaccine is injected into the skin instead of the muscle. The intradermal shot uses a needle that is 90% smaller than the needles used for a regular flu shot, and it requires less antigen to be as effective as the regular flu shot. (Antigen is the part of the vaccine that helps your body build up protection against flu viruses.) The intradermal flu vaccine works in the body in the same way as a regular flu shot and is given in one dose. Learn more >>
High dose flu shot. Because immune defenses weaken with age, older people are at greater risk of developing severe illness from the flu. A high-dose vaccine containing four times the amount of antigen as a regular flu shot is now available for those 65 and older to give older people better protection against flu. The high dose flu vaccine works in the body in the same way as a regular flu shot and is given in one dose. Learn more >>
Nasal spray vaccine. A nasal spray form of the flu vaccine is approved for use in healthy people ages 2 - 49, not including pregnant women. In this form, the vaccine is inhaled through the nose instead of being injected into the muscle or skin. Unlike the flu shot, the nasal spray flu vaccine does contain live viruses. However, the viruses are weakened and cannot cause flu illness. Learn more >>
Tips for Staying Healthy
The single best way to keep from getting the flu is to get vaccinated each year, but other good health habits can help stop the spread of germs and prevent colds and flu, including:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
- Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
- Clean your hands often to protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Practice other good health habits like getting plenty of sleep, being physically active, managing stress, drinking plenty of fluids, and eating nutritious food.