Disclosure: I have received promotional consideration from MinuteClinic.
It’s that time again. Time to get a flu shot. Now we all know the flu sucks and its a bad virus, but what else is there to know about the flu?
The flu is a respiratory infection caused by a virus. It can develop very quickly and with flu, you always have a fever. Other common symptoms include headache, sore throat, dry cough, stuffy or runny nose and
muscle aches (ugh).
The flu can attack certain people more then others. Seniors, young children, pregnant women and those with health conditions like asthma or diabetes are more susceptible to catching the flu. A misdiagnosed flu can lead to complications, so its important especially to see a doctor or MinuteClinic practioner if your not sure.
Flu season starts off as early as October and peaks around January or later. I basically know when to get my family’s flu shot when I start seeing signs for flu shots, but I hadn’t realized how long flu season actually lasts. The flu is actually contagious before someone even realizes they are sick, with healthy adults infecting others 1 day before and up to 5-7 days after becoming sick. Children or those with weakened immune systems have a longer time frame.
I always think of the flu as a needle in the arm but there are actually two other variations available. For those scared of needles (ages 18-64) there is an intradermal shot available. (This may not be covered by insurance.) For those ages 65 and older there is a high dose vaccination available with elevated levels of antigens which can create a stronger immune response in seniors. CVS MinuteClinic locations can actually vaccinate patients ages 18 months and older.
The MinuteClinic accepts most insurance which typically cover the full cost of a flu shot, including Medicare Part B. As a BONUS, customers will even receive a 20% off CVS/Pharmacy Shopping Pass when they get a flu shot at CVS/pharmacy or MinuteClinic
I only need to be vaccinate once. MYTH! A new flu vaccine is developed each year to fightt he strains likes to be prevalent for the season – so it’s important to get a flu shot each year.
People start getting sick once cold weather hits, so it’s too early to get my shot. MYTH! The CDC recommends getting vaccinated as soon as the flu shot becomes available since it takes about two weeks for antibodies to develop in your body to provide protection. October is not too soon to get it.
I’ve heard you can get sick from a flu shot. MYTH! It’s actually impossible, since the vaccine is made from an inactivated (dead!) virus, so it cannot give you the flu. If you get flu-like symptoms after getting your flu shot, it’s likely that you were exposed to the flu after you got vaccinated but before the vaccine took effect, which can be up to two weeks. The only real side effect of the flu vaccine might be soreness or redness where the shot was administered!
Learn more about the flu at: www.cdc.gov/flu and MinuteClinic’s vaccination offerings at: http://bit.ly/ZQZVDn
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I hate when people say If you get a flu shot you're going to get the flu from it. Seriously? Where did the myth start. I think it's great that you also get a 20% shopping pass when you get your shot.
I got my flu shot a few weeks ago and so did all of my other family members, including my grandsons who got the flu mist. I hope it protects us well this flu season!
I think that I would consider getting a flu shot if anyone in my family had a compromised immune system, but none of us do. So we skip the shot in our house. The last person to get a flu in our house was my husband, and that was 2 years ago. Other than H1N1 and other serious strains, I don't worry about something as common as the flu.
My daughter just got the flu vaccine - actually the mist. She liked it better than the shot. I get a free flu shot from my employe each year with is great.