In the Northern Hemisphere we are closing in on flu season. Every year in October people are encouraged to get their flu shot. So get your flu shot within the next three weeks!
The flu is caused by a virus called the influenza virus. People who get the flu have a high fever (102-104o F), chills, shakes, headache, backaches, scratchy eyes, and cough. Influenza viruses do NOT cause vomiting or diarrhea. Vomiting and diarrhea are caused by other microorganisms.
One major problem with the flu is that many people can develop complications. That is a nice way of saying you are getting a more serious illness. One very serious complication is pneumonia (an infection of the lungs). Many people die each year due to pneumonia. The people most likely to get pneumonia are people over 65 years of age, and people who have medical problems such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease, lung diseases, diabetes or other chronic conditions. These high-risk individuals should get a flu shot. People who work or live with these high-risk individuals should also get a flu shot.
Unfortunately, you must get a flu shot EVERY YEAR. If you got a flu shot last year you are not protected from getting the flu this year. Although only a few different influenza viruses circulate at any given time, people continue to become ill with the flu throughout their lives. The reason people continue to get the flu is that influenza viruses are continually changing, usually as a result of mutations in the viral genes. This year's vaccine has three different influenza virus strains in it. Each year the vaccine is updated to include the most current influenza virus strains.
Another reason you need a yearly flu vaccine is because antibodies produced by people in response to the vaccine goes down over time. Antibody levels are often low one year after vaccination. If your antibodies to the influenza virus are low you are more likely to get the flu.
People who get a flu shot may experience some flu-like symptoms, but these symptoms are much milder than the flu. There are no guarantees in life (except may be death and taxes). Some people may still get the flu even after getting a flu shot. However, studies have shown that people have a much milder illness and they are much less likely to die from pneumonia.
SO LET ME BE PERFECTLY CLEAR. GET YOUR FLU SHOT VERY SOON!!! In fact go call your physician now and schedule an appointment for that flu shot.
The National
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