There’s no shortage of misconceptions about the flu vaccine. Let’s clear up three big ones:
- MYTH: You can get the flu from the flu shot.
FACT: You might feel some minor side effects, but because vaccines contain inactivated or weakened flu viruses, they can’t make a health person sick.
- MYTH: The flu shot doesn’t always work, so there’s no point in getting one.
FACT: While the flu shot doesn’t guarantee that you won’t get the flu, it greatly reduces the likelihood AND reduces the duration and severity of the illness.
- MYTH: The flu is no big deal — it’s just like a bad cold.
FACT: The flu is a serious respiratory illness, far worse than a cold, and can lead to serious complications — including hospitalization or death.
If you are over 65 and suffer from any of the following, the flu and pneumonia can cause serious complications:
DIABETES: The flu can cause a dangerous increase in blood glucose levels, and individuals with diabetes are already at a higher risk of hospitalization or death from pneumococcal pneumonia.
CARDIAC DISEASE: Individuals with heart disease are six times more likely to suffer a heart attack within a week of being diagnosed with the flu.
COPD: If you’re already struggling to breathe, the flu makes COPD symptoms worse.
Don’t take a chance. Take the time to get your flu and pneumonia vaccinations so you can have plenty of time for the things — and people — you love! Flu vaccinations are available at our office. We can bill Medicare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield or UnitedHealthcare, or you may pay $35 privately. For children on Medicaid or with no health insurance coverage, flu shots can be provided free of charge. Pneumonia shots are not currently available at our agency. Please check with your doctor or pharmacy for those vaccinations.