Laura Dubis Winona Health Assistant
How can I get someone to understand the value of getting a flu shot? From my perspective as a physician assistant who cares for patients who are hospitalized, it is hard to understand why anyone would choose NOT to get vaccinated. Caregivers at the clinic also see the effects of the flu.
During the fall and winter flu season, I witness the unfortunate effects the flu can have on patients. Those who are already vulnerable due to age or other health conditions are at particularly high risk. Getting a flu shot, along with the usual practices of washing your hands, covering your cough or sneeze and staying home when sick, is an easy way for each of us to do our part to protect ourselves and others around us.
1. What is influenza (flu)?
The flu, or influenza, is a respiratory virus (not a stomach virus) that causes symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headaches, and fatigue. Small airborne droplets can spread when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. Droplets can be inhaled by another person, and can also be picked up by touching an infected surface and then touching the nose or eyes.
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2. Who is most at risk of getting the flu?
Anyone can get the flu, but children under the age of 5 (and especially those under the age of 2) and people over the age of 65 are at higher risk of complications from the flu.
Certain chronic conditions such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, cancer, COPD, obesity, and pregnancy can also increase the risk of flu-related complications.
Ninety percent of hospitalized patients have at least one underlying chronic condition.
3. What is the flu vaccine?
The flu vaccine provides protection against different variants of the flu virus that are expected to be circulating this flu season. Vaccination every year is important because the virus, and therefore the vaccine, change from year to year.
4. Who should get the flu shot?
The flu shot is recommended for everyone 6 months and older. If you are pregnant, the flu shot is recommended early in the flu season and can be given at any time during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor if you’ve had a serious reaction to a flu shot before or if you think there may be another reason why you can’t get a flu shot.
5. When should I get the flu shot?
It is recommended to get vaccinated against the flu in September or October. After you get the vaccine, it takes about two weeks for your body to make antibodies, so exposure to the flu virus before those antibodies develop could lead to the flu.
6. Will I get the flu from the vaccine?
No! The science behind the flu shot means this is not possible. This is a common error with several explanations:
- Side effects that some people experience after a vaccine can include body aches, fever, and fatigue can mimic a milder version of the flu. This often leads people to believe they got sick from the vaccine. These symptoms are a good sign that your body’s immune system is doing its job to react to the vaccine and produce antibodies that will protect you against the real flu virus.
Another possible explanation for these symptoms is that at the time of vaccination you were already sick with another cold virus that produces flu-like symptoms.
- As noted above, it takes about two weeks to provide antibodies against the flu, so any exposure to the flu virus within that time frame could still result in illness.
7. How can I prepare my child for his flu shot?
Practicing at home a few days in advance with a doctor bottle or even using your finger to give a mock “injection” can help children learn what to expect. Using honest explanations like “it’s just a quick pinch” or “you’ll feel a little pressure” can help describe what they might be feeling. Give them a chance to ask questions before their appointment. It can be helpful to bring a comfort item such as a blanket or stuffed animal. Provide a distraction by making a silly face or shaking his hand. Make them pretend to be a strong superhero who is so brave they will barely hear the shot! Get to know your child better – prepare them in the way you think will make them most comfortable!
8. Can I still get the flu if I get the vaccine?
Yes unfortunately. The vaccine isn’t perfect, but it can help prevent you from getting a serious infection, complication, or hospitalization.
9. What about the COVID-19 booster or other vaccines?
The updated COVID-19 vaccine and other routine vaccines can be safely given at the same time as the flu vaccine. Decide to get a flu shot. Winona Health’s flu shot clinic is open through Oct. 28 on the second floor of the clinic, 855 Mankato Ave. Hours: from 8 am to 4 pm Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; Wednesday from 11 am to 7 pm; and Saturday, October 22 from 8 am to noon. Details are available on our website at winonahealth.org/flu.
When the first COVID vaccinations came out, the CDC recommended waiting two weeks before or after getting another shot. Now, however, this orientation has changed.
Doctors have a message for vaccine-weary Americans: Don’t skip your flu shot this fall; and seniors, ask for a special kind of extra strength.
With flu season right around the corner and cases of omicron on the rise in the US, what’s the best time to get these shots and stay healthy?
River Valley Tour: Winona County
View of the lake
The Lakeview Drive Inn has been a Winona favorite for decades.
Rachel Mergen, Winona Daily News
hills
Pictured are the hills bordering Winona.
Rachel Mergen, Winona Daily News
Lake and institute
Pictured is West Lake Winona, with Winona Senior High School in the distance.
Rachel Mergen, Winona Daily News
greenery
Pictured is the vegetation in Winona County.
Rachel Mergen, Winona Daily News
hills
Pictured are some of the many…