Is a Flu Shot for You?
Each year, at least 35 million Americans suffer from the aches and pains of a flu bug (influenza), which typically knocks them off their feet for at least a few days. The flu can lead to pneumonia and even death in people who are at risk.
Who should get a flu shot Flu shots typically have been recommended for the elderly, as well as children and adults with chronic diseases. The Centers for Disease Control identifies the following specific categories:
Persons greater than 50 years of age. Those at any age with a chronic medical condition. Healthcare workers, or anyone who works with people at high risk. All children 6 to 23 months of age, especially those with a medical condition. The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) recommends that all Americans aged 50 and older get vaccinated against the flu every fall. Previously, the AAFP recommended annual influenza shots for those ages 65 and older. The academy revised its policy because high-risk people fall into a younger age category. People with diabetes also are being strongly encouraged to get flu shots. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Immunization Program specifically targets people who have diabetes in its flu campaign because diabetes patients are three times more likely to die from flu complications - yet only half in 1997 reported getting an annual flu shot. People of any age can get the flu. Most people suffer through it for a week or two - typically with a sore throat, muscle aches, chills and a fever - but some get much sicker and may need to be hospitalized. More than 20,000 people die from the flu each year. About $4.6 billion is spent annually on medical costs directly related to the illness. When to get vaccinated Federal health officials say the ideal time to get vaccinated against the flu, or influenza, is between September and December. "Flu season" in the United States usually runs from November to March or April. Because the viruses that cause the flu change often, the flu vaccine is updated each year by replacing at least one of the vaccine viruses with a newer one. Protection develops about two weeks after the shot and may last up to a year. A new shot is needed each year. Something else to remember:
People 9 years old and older need one shot. Children younger than 9 may need two shots, given one month apart. Nasal-spray vaccine? A new type of flu vaccine given in a nasal spray proved to be effective in trials in the 1997 to 1998 flu season. In June 2003, the FDA approved FluMist, the first nasally administered vaccination against the flu. In clinical trials the nasal spray demonstrated prevention in about 87% of the 20,228 children tested. The vaccine is recommended for children age 5 to 17 and adults age 18 to 49. Children from 5 to 8 need two doses of FluMist 6 weeks apart when first vaccinated. Older children and adults only need one dose. Use of this vaccine in healthy children and adults is expected to help make the standard influenza shot more available to those at higher risk for complications of influenza. No flu from shot The injected vaccine is a "killed vaccine" and does not cause the flu. People should remember however, that although the flu vaccine is highly effective, no vaccine is 100 percent effective. People who do get the flu despite being vaccinated often have a milder case than those who do not get the shot. Remember, the flu shot protects only against the flu, and not against other causes of fever and colds. Consult with doctor before getting a flu shot, particularly if you:
Ever had a serious allergic reaction to eggs or a previous dose of flu vaccine or Have a history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), a severe paralytic illness. If you are moderately or severely ill at the time the shot is scheduled, wait until you recover before getting the flu vaccine. Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases American Academy of Family Physicians
This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.
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