How to Know if You Should Get a Flu Shot

Every year there are millions of cases of people contracting the influenza virus which causes the flu. It is a condition that affects the respiratory tract, ie, the nose, throat and lungs. The incidence of flu cases rises significantly during the cold winter season around November and early January. Certain population groups are at higher risks to catching the flu virus, fro example, pediatrics and geriatric age groups and severely immunocompromised individuals (HIV/AIDS individuals). The best way to decrease the chance of getting the flu virus is to get a flu shot which is a vaccine. Studies have been shown to be 85% effective. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends an annual flu shot especially for certain groups in the population.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. The CDC recommends the following groups of people to get the flu shot:
   individuals who will easily contract the viral flu and at higher risk to developing severe complications; people who will pass the virus easily to others; individuals who want to protect themselves form getting the flu'
2. People who fall into the category of contracting the viral flu with higher risks of progressing onto severe complications are young children and geriatric groups., ie, age over 55 years, people living in close confined communities, like retirement homes, nursing facilities, convalescent homes; pregnant women on their second or third trimester of pregnancy; children who are on long-term aspirin treatment ; individuals with heart conditions or lung problems like asthma.
3. The CDC also recommends individuals to get the flu shot if they are working in an environment that will easily expose them to the virus and who can easily pass it on to others. Doctors, nurses and most health care workers working in hospitals and clinics should get the flu shot. Employees of nursing homes and facilities, assisted living convalescent homes and any member of the family who is the caretaker of immunocompromised persons should all be protected by getting the flu vaccine
4. The CDC does NOT recommend the following group of people to get the flu vaccine: if you have an allergy to egg products or if you had a history of a severe allergic reaction after getting the flu vaccine; people who previously developed a medical condition called Guillain-Barre Syndrome after getting the flu shot.
5. The CDC also recommends the flu shot for anyone who wants some protection from the virus and do not want to contract it. You should get a flu shot every year. Since the virus mutates so quickly new strains of the virus constantly presents itself each year so the constant battle to develop newer vaccines to combat them is a never ending challenge for scientists and researchers.

Tips & Warnings

• The vaccine is made from the inactivated or killed strains of the virus and therefore cannot cause much harm or the flu in the person receiving the vaccine.
• If you have been unlucky to contract the flu then you should seek medical attention for appropriate treatment and medication.
• DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS, WATER to prevent from dehydration.
• read my article on How to Treat the Flu
• This article is not a substitute or replacement for seeking medical attention from your own medical doctor and health care provider.