I rarely meet anyone who doesn’t have an opinion about getting a “flu shot”. It seems this one preventative measure causes more stir than almost any other preventative public health concern; but why? Is it misinformation, assumption or reality? Have we all grown to become so skeptical that our reasoning is distorted or are we legitimately and reasonably concerned over what we don’t know?
Anytime a preventative vaccination is made available to the general public there will be an onslaught of reactions. Let’s face it, we’re all different (genetically) and will have variety of reactions (from mild to severe, even life threatening) to anything we do or consume. Before you simply say “yes” or “no” to getting a flu shot why not become informed about the contents of the shot, possible side effects and why you (personally) should or shouldn’t have one?
What’s in the flu shot for the 2011-2012 flu season? According to the Center for Disease Control, the following information is provided (http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6033a3.htm) -
The 2011--12 U.S. seasonal influenza vaccine virus strains are identical to those contained in the 2010--11 vaccine. These include A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)-like, A/Perth/16/2009 (H3N2)-like, and B/Brisbane/60/2008-like antigens. The influenza A (H1N1) vaccine virus strain is derived from a 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus (3).
What are the possible side effects that can occur from obtaining the flu shot? From allergic reactions to death, the gamut of reactions are widely varied.
Why get a flu vaccination? In theory, a vaccination is to help your body resist infection/disease through building “anti-bodies” that fight off a specific disease. However, that is assuming that your body cannot fight off disease/infection through its own natural anti-bodies.
What can I do naturally to help my body fight disease and infection? Eat/consume your anti-bodies through anti-oxidants, daily. Supplements/vitamins are a great anti-body builder, containing antioxidants. However, nothing can replace good nutrition when it comes to helping our bodies naturally defend itself.
What happens if I get the flu but did not get the vaccine? A flu vaccine is only a preventative measure, not a treatment for the flu. That is why it is so important for you to make a personal decision about getting a vaccine or not. Discuss your concerns with your doctor or medical care provider.
It is reported that 90% of medical care professionals (doctors, nurses, health care workers) will get a flu vaccine this season. Why? Mostly because they are directly in contact with so many infected people that the vaccine provides an extra measure of prevention for their exposure. Many will be required by their workplace to have a vaccine while others will opt to have a vaccine on their own.
The most vulnerable victims of the flu are the elderly and children. Both fall into the two opposite extremes of our culture (youngest and oldest) and usually experience the greatest vulnerability to contracting the flu (lower anti-bodies). Just taking a vaccine is not the answer; prevention is the key.
*Wash your hands (not just when you eat). Remember – Everything you touch has germs and when you touch it you carry those germs to the next place you touch.
*Wash your keyboard, door knobs, countertops, desk/work space – The most common place where we obtain germs is from the items we use the most.
*Carry handi-wipes with anti-septic with you (car, home, workplace) – It’s better than a napkin, easy to throw away and it will clean your hands without soap and water
*Cover your mouth and wash your hands after you cough or sneeze – It’s not only rude to cough, sneeze and shake…..it’s dangerous. No one will think you’re being a snob if you don’t shake their hand. Just tell them you’re trying not to spread your germs, give them a “fist-bump” or pat on the shoulder.
*Stay home if you feel sick – Your not a hero for coming to work sick. If you can’t stay home, stay isolated from the public, and explain to your boss you’re afraid of spreading germs.
Often the side effects post a flu vaccine can include: Fever, chills, body aches, hives, vomiting. This could mean your body is rejecting the vaccine or that you’re having an allergic reaction. Never assume or interpret a side effect on our own; call your doctor immediately.
Should you have a flu vaccine? That’s up to you. But before you make a decision, talk to your doctor.
Quick Tips for Wellness: The best medicine is prevention, both naturally and (sometimes) medically. Seek advice when you need to make the right decision for you.
Quick Tips for Wellness, Pat Ferguson, Copyright © 2011, All Rights Reserved
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