Should you get a Flu Shot?
The flu virus is an infection which causes fever, naseua, headaches, body aches, cough, sore throats, chills, ear aches, and many other unpleasant symptoms. The flu can be dangerous to some people since it can result in serious complications. The flu virus weakens the immune system leaving the body vulnerable to more serious illnesses such as pneumonia. Certain high risk groups of people are recommended to get the flu vaccine each year to prevent infection by the flu virus.
Generally children from age 6 months to 5 years of age, pregnant women, individuals 50yrs and older, chronically ill people, and those living in nursing homes or rehabilitation facilities are encouraged to get the flu shot. Anyone that lives with or has close associations with the recommended groups above should also get the shot to prevent the high risk individuals from being exposed.
The Flu shot is a vaccine that contains three main types of the influenza virus. Within two weeks of receiving the flu shot, your body develops anti-bodies to prevent you from being infected with the flu. Most experts advise people to obtain the flu shot in the month of October or November. The immunization can cause slight symptoms of the flu virus. But generally the symptoms are extremely mild, if they even occur. So be safe, and if it is available, get immunized.
