If you’ve ever had a sore throat with fever, headaches, body aches, runny nose, chills, fatigue and nausea, then you know what it's like to get the flu. The flu isn't always accompanied by every one of these symptoms, but it will include many of them. Because the flu gets grouped together with the common cold, many people assume that it's no more serious than the common cold. This assumption is a mistake because the flu can lead to serious complications and even death.
Unfortunately, there’s no cure for the flu. But getting vaccinated is a good preventative measure. Unlike other types of vaccinations, you need to be immunized annually. This is required because flu viruses change so rapidly that your immunization against last year's flu virus may not be effective this year.
Who Should Get Vaccinated?
The CDC recommendation is that everyone over the age of six months should be vaccinated. For some people, it is especially important to get immunized. These include individuals who are taking care of someone with the flu as well as those who are at risk of getting flu complications.
Who is at Risk for Flu-Related Complications?
- Young children between six months and eight years
- Pregnant women
- Older adults
- People with asthma, cancer, diabetes, HIV/AIDs, cystic fibrosis, kidney or liver disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or obesity
Who is at Risk from Adverse Reactions to the Vaccine?
- People with an allergy to eggs. Some vaccinations contain egg proteins. However, vaccinations without egg proteins are available. Check with your doctor to learn more.
- People with a history of severe reactions to flu vaccinations. Always check with your doctor to learn more about your options.
Is it Ever Too Late to Get Vaccinated?
It is best to get the vaccine as soon as it is available, which is normally in the early fall. However, the vaccine can be taken even after the start of the flu season. It will take about two weeks for you to acquire an immunity.
Where Do I Get a Flu Vaccine?
Flu vaccinations are available at your doctor's office, health clinics, health centers, pharmacies, many schools and possibly at work. You don't need to have a regular doctor to get vaccinated.
Take care of yourself and your family by getting vaccinated. It's easy to do and is a better option than lying in bed with the flu.
Take care of your health. Call Nor Cal Pacific at (530) 221-2300 for more information on health insurance.