Understanding the Importance of a Yearly Flu Shot
Flu shots are something that most of us take for granted. Many of us feel that the benefits of getting flu shots are not that significant. There are also those who are concerned about the different flu shot side effects so they opt not to get the vaccine.
If you don’t thoroughly understand the importance of a flu shot, you won’t consider getting one. For you to gain comprehensive information about the vaccine, let us first understand what influenza is and what its symptoms are.
The Symptoms and Diagnosis of Influenza Virus
Influenza, or flu, is a respiratory illness caused by a virus. This condition is highly transmittable and it can be easily spread when a person is infected through coughs or sneezes.
This condition is not that serious and you just need to rest when you are infected with the virus to allow your body to recover. However, when elderly, very young kids or immune-compromised persons are infected with flu, it could lead to other serious conditions.
If you don’t get the flu shots, you are putting yourself and your family at risk of getting infected especially during the flu season.
Common flu symptoms include:
- Headache
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Body malaise
- Fatigue
Doctors diagnose the virus by referring to the symptoms. If they want to be certain about the diagnosis, the physician may opt to take a sample of mucus from your throat or nose then have it tested.
How Important Are Flu Shots and How Does It Prevent the Virus?
Doctors and other health workers stress the importance of a flu shot because not all individuals react the same to the condition. There are those who get hospitalized and there are even some who die because of complications.
Despite the reported side effects, getting the vaccine is still highly recommended because of the benefits of getting flu shots.
Below are the advantages of receiving the flu vaccine:
1. Getting one flu shot would typically protect you from the strain of virus for about a year.
2. The flu shot decreases your risk of acquiring the infection by 50-60 percent.
3. If you get infected by a different strain of virus from the one given to you, the symptoms you will experience are less severe.
Flu shot side effects include:
1. Body aches
2. Swelling and tenderness on the injection site
3. Low-grade fever
Rare side-effects of the vaccine are:
1. Hives
2. Dizziness
3. Difficulty breathing
4. Rapid heartbeat
5. Guillain-Barre Syndrome ( 1 -2 cases per million)
Remember that some of these flu shot side effects, especially the severe ones, rarely happen. If you still have doubts about getting the flu vaccine, talk to your physician so you can weigh your options.
If you want the safest option to prevent or reduce the symptoms of flu, you can opt to boost your immune system so you have antibodies to fight any harmful bacteria or virus. To enhance your body’s defense, take Organic and Kosher Certified PURE Açai Berry Pulp Puree Liquid for an increase in vitamins, mineral and antioxidants in your body.
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to treat, diagnose, or cure any diseases.