The single best way to protect yourself against the flu is to get vaccinated each year. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control recommends that people get their seasonal flu vaccine as soon as vaccine becomes available, as it is now in our community.
Vaccination before the end of December is best because this timing ensures protective antibodies are in place before flu activity is typically at its highest. This year’s vaccine will protect against the three influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the flu season, including an influenza A (H1N1) virus and an influenza B virus.
One shot does it all — and a nasal form is available if you hate needles.
Everyone who is 6 months and older should get an annual flu vaccine, the CDC recommends. It’s especially important that specific groups get vaccinated either because they are at high risk for serious flu-related complications, or because they live with or care for people at high risk for developing health complications related to the flu.
The groups include:
- Pregnant women
- Children younger than 5, and especially children younger than 2
- People 50 and older
- Individuals of any age with certain chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease
- Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
Individuals who live with or care for those at high risk for flu-related complications, including health care workers and parents of children less than 6 months (these children are considered too young to be vaccinated).
Some people should not receive a flu vaccine without first consulting their physician or health care provider. They include those who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs, those who have previously experienced a severe reaction to a flu vaccination, and those who have developed Guillain-Barre syndrome after a flu shot.
Guillain-Barre syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks itself. Exactly what triggers the rare condition is unknown. The syndrome may occur at any age but is most common in men and women between ages 30 and 50.
Dr. Ramnish Mandrelle practices family medicine at Port Orchard Medical Clinic, a part of the Franciscan Medical Group.
JOIN THE DISCUSSION | Register here
We welcome comments. Please keep them civil, short and to the point. ALL CAPS, spam, obscene, profane, abusive and off topic comments will be deleted. Repeat offenders will be blocked. Thanks for taking part — and abiding by these simple rules. A thorough explanation of rules of conduct can be found in our Terms of Service. If you have any questions, including why your comment may not be showing immediately after you submit it, be sure to visit the commenting FAQ.