Many people are not very trusting of “big pharma” these days. Due to that, vaccination rates for all kinds of diseases are down – especially for flu shots. The sad thing is, flu shots are very effective against the flu.
The flu is a virus that attacks the respiratory system. Common symptoms are cough, fatigue, headache, body aches and pains, chest discomfort, and other symptoms that are familiar from the common cold. The flu weakens the immune system, making the victim more vulnerable to co-infections. This makes it especially rough on the young, the elderly, pregnant women, and anyone who has compromised health in any way.
So, should you get a flu shot? Here are some reasons why:
- They Are Inexpensive – For people with insurance, flu shots are usually free. If you don’t have it, though, you can get flu shots at other locations inexpensively such as Walmart, Costco, and your local grocery store if it has a pharmacy. Usually, it’ll be $20 or less. Some schools will give them for free.
- They Are Highly Effective – Getting a flu vaccine cuts your risk of getting the flu by half. The sad thing is that only about two out of five people get their flu shots every year. For young people, that rate goes up to about 60 percent in years when the formula was chosen correctly.
- You Can Get Flu Shots Everywhere – Nowadays you can get flu shots at your local grocery store, every corner pharmacy, your doctor’s office, urgent care, chiropractic clinics and more. Look around for the best deal if your insurance doesn’t cover it, or you don’t have insurance.
- You Cut Your Risk of Co-Infections – Even if you still get the flu after a flu shot, you’ll be less likely to suffer from strep throat, bad headaches, vomiting, diarrhea, and worse, leading to pneumonia and even chronic medical conditions after the flu is gone.
- You’ll Save Money – Getting the flu can be a lot more expensive than the flu shot. Theraflu can cost a lot. Not to mention missed work and less productivity when you’re sick. Don’t forget co-pays and the risk of hospitalization and the cost of that.
- They’re Safe – The record of safety on flu shots is very good. Some people do have reactions to shots so that should be monitored. However, the risk is very low. Be sure to read the ingredient list as some people are allergic to some ingredients like gelatin and eggs. If necessary, you can ask for an alternative vaccine.
- Minimal Side Effects – Some people get a headache, fatigue, a low fever, and even a mild cough after getting the shot. These can last a couple of days. Less than one in a million suffer from an allergic reaction. The side effects are way worse than the flu, as is the risk for anything worse.
When it comes to protecting your family from the flu, the best way to do it is to get a flu shot. The exception is for those who cannot get flu shots due to being immunocompromised, or they are allergic to the ingredients. In general, though, most healthy people can and should get a flu shot every year to help protect themselves against the flu and to help make the experience shorter and less harsh if you do still contract the flu.
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