You ask yourself these questions every year

Will I get sick?

Do I really need to get the flu shot?

You also justify your thought process because of the similar case below:

My uncle Terry told me he doesn’t vaccinate his kids against Influenza because vaccines cause Autism and Cancer! 

It is very normal to ask yourself these questions. It is also extremely relatable due to the simple fact that we all have an Uncle Terry in our lives. The answers to your routine questions are provided below:

 

What is the Flu?

The word “Flu” is an abbreviation for Influenza. Furthermore, Influenza is known to attack the respiratory system and cause illness. According to the CDC, most cases of the flu are not deadly, but some cases can be life threatening and, in some cases, kill the host AKA YOU. That being said, lets answer a few questions you have about the flu and understand the importance of vaccinating against the virus.

There are four types of flu viruses: A, B, C, D. The Human Influenza A and B viruses cause seasonal epidemics of disease in the winter months almost every year in the United States. The C and D viruses do not generally cause epidemics, so we will focus on A and B viruses. Both A and B viruses can be broken down into different strains.

Each year “experts” make the best prediction of which virus will emerge and a vaccine is made in effort to prevent the flu from attacking. These Viruses are furthermore named and a naming structure was accepted by the international  community (World Health Organization better known as the WHO) in 1979.  The flu typically is transmitted by droplets made when people cough, sneeze, or talk. The droplets are inhaled into the lungs and the virus gets to work multiplying itself.

 

 

What Are the Common Signs and Symptoms of the Flu?

The influenza virus has very clear signs and symptoms. Here is a list of the common signs and symptoms that the flu virus may cause:

• Fever
• Cough and sore throat
• Body and headaches
• Chills and fatigue
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite

Although a fever is a common sign and symptom, it is important to know not all cases of the flu will show a fever.

 

 

Is the Flu the Same Thing as a Cold?

A cold is a mild respiratory illness that is less severe than Influenza. The common cold normally beings with classic signs of a sore throat and a runny nose. Colds normally last a week in duration but can develop into sinus infections or worse if untreated. My mom always rattled this saying to me when I was facing a cold as a child.

• 3 days coming
• 3 days staying
• 3 days leaving

 

This motherly DIY diagnosis was a quick and easy way to let me know, that the tissues would only be required for a few more days. It was also important for her because if my symptoms did not get better, than she would need to make a trip to our family doctor or local Med Express.

Although my mother is a nurse, I just want to point out that this was her motherly way of helping me through the common cold and not a medical diagnosis. If your symptoms are getting out of hand, make sure you get checked out and evaluated.

 

 

How Can I Fight the Flu?

This is the important part of our discussion. Yes, you can protect against the flu and there are preventive measures. Although nothing is 100% effective, you can dramatically reduce your risk for contracting the illness. Here are a few steps:

1. Get a flu vaccine – We hate to break it to uncle Terry, but it has been proven that the flu vaccine does not cause any type of cancer or autism. The CDC reports that the flu vaccine protects against the viruses that are most common each flu season. Vaccinations are extremely important for individuals younger than 5 years but older than 6 months as well as adults above 65.

The higher risk populations also include pregnant women and residents of nursing homes.

2. Preventative actions that reduce the spread of germs – These steps are the simple things we know and sometimes ignore. During flu season you should wash your hands regularly, cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze, and avoid touching surfaces that many people are also touching (door knobs, handles, railings)

You should also make it routine to clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that could be contaminated by germs and avoid close contact with sick people.

The use of PPE or Personal Protective Equipment is important. PPE examples include breathing masks, gloves and other forms of sterile barriers that reduce the risk of infection and spread of disease.

3. Listening to your doctor –  if you do happen to get the flu, listen to your doctor. You may be prescribed antiviral drugs. Antiviral drugs are different than antibiotics and are not available over the counter.

 

 

Can I Die from Influenza?

Remember, we did mention that most cases of the flu are not going to kill you. That being said, the CDC still keeps us up to date with the over all tracking of hospitalizations and deaths that Influenza inevitably causes.

Since 2010, there has been around 36 million illnesses associated with the virus. Additionally, the CDC reports there around anywhere from 12,000 to 56,000 deaths per year associated with the Influenza Virus.

 

Side Effects from the Flu Vaccine:

Because the flu vaccine is typically injected via needle, you may experience a few side effects. It is very common for individuals to have a sore upper arm and in some cases you may experience achiness and a small fever. Nonetheless, the 2 second sacrifice provides you with great preventative consciousness and you could even be walking out of the doctor’s office with a Star Wars bandage!

 

 

Should I get vaccinated for the Flu 2018-2019?

The short answer is YES. You should get vaccinated. The expression, “Better safe than sorry”, best describes the risk behind not becoming vaccinated.

Reasons to get the Influenza Vaccine:

1. Contracting the flu virus can cause illness and in some instance’s death
2. If you contract the flu virus, you risk spreading the virus to others
3. When you contract the flu virus, you may have to miss out on: work/schooling/daily activities
4. Getting the flu vaccine reduces the risk of flu hospitalization, which holds financial ramifications

 

 

Where can I get the flu vaccine?

The flu vaccine has become increasingly more accessible. You may be able to obtain the vaccine from:

• Primary care physician
• Local pharmacy
• Onsite work or school related clinic

If you do not have access to these resources, I strongly encourage you to log on to the HealthMap Vaccine Finder tool. This tool allows you to plug in your zip code and provide addresses and facilities that offer the vaccine. They also provide directions, website information and allow you to plan your trip via Uber!

https://vaccinefinder.org/?address=15241#

 

How much is the Influenza Vaccine?

One of the biggest health disparities associated with participating in any type of medical care is cost. Unfortunately, people are very quick to roll the dice and bet on not contracting the virus.

The good thing is, it is very common for health insurance plans to cover vaccinations and most of these costs are built in to your healthcare coverage. If you are paying out of pocket for your vaccination, most vaccinations range from the $14-$40. Taking the preventive step and cost for vaccination is the wiser decision because like we previously mentioned, Influenza has associated financial consequences.

When you decide to get the Influenza vaccination, you are reducing the risk of obtaining the virus. Consequently, you are also reducing the risk of: hospitalization, antiviral drugs, lost compensation due to missed work and much more. The few dollars you spend will inevitably save you money in the long run.

 

I Don’t Like Needles

Unless you are someone who likes pointy objects penetrating their skin, I think it is safe to say we all don’t particularly have an affinity for needles. There is more good news about the flu vaccination. The vaccine can be provided in another form: the nasal spray. Make sure you consult with your healthcare provider to determine which vaccine is best suitable for you.

 

The Big take away:

1. Influenza is a virus that affects human’s respiratory tract commonly in the winter months
2. Influenza and the common cold are different from one another
3. In some severe cases, you could become hospitalized or die from the flu virus
4. You should get vaccinated for the Influenza Virus
5. There are resources that provide the Flu vaccine that are affordable

 

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