Prevention (The Flu Shot)
The best way to prevent the seasonal flu is to get vaccinated every year. The CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against influenza. Anyone 6 months or older can receive the flu shot or inhaler. Vaccinations are important for health care workers and people who live or care for infants or the elderly.
The flu vaccine protects against the 3 – 4 viruses that research shows will be most common. It can reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits, and missed work and school due to the flu. The flu shot has also shown to significantly reduce a child’s risk of dying from influenza. Once you receive the flu vaccine, it can take up to two weeks to take affect. The most common side affects are mild soreness, redness, or swelling where you get the shot. Research suggests that someone who gets the flu after vaccination will have milder symptoms and be sick for a shorter amount of time.