Influenza Vaccine Saves Lives

Many people mistakenly believe that the flu is no worse than a bad cold or stomach virus. In fact, it is common for a person suffering from a run-of-the-mill virus to claim incorrectly that they "have the flu". In reality, influenza is a serious disease that causes thousands of deaths, hospitalizations, and serious disabilities every year.

The flu is a virus that exhibits several signs that are like a common cold, consisting of a cough, sneezes and a fever. But, these signs are usually more bad with the flu - an elevated fever with a maximum of 104 degrees, excruciating muscle aches, horrible diarrhea, and not being able to get up from your bed to eat or drink anything are not unusual.

Influenza is a sickness that is extremely dangerous for babies and the elderly, however the flu can cause anyone to become extremely sick and possibly die. For this reason it is very important that everyone get the flu shot each year. Even though the influenza shot does not protect against all cases of the flu, it prevents it for the majority of people.

According to the CDC, anybody over age 50 or under age 19 but more than 6 months old ought to get vaccinated. If you are concerned that your child won't want the injection, there's a pediatric flu vaccine available in the form of a nasal mist which is now available, and it's painless and easy to give. Adults can get this flu mist too.

Also adding, there are a certain segments of adult people who should get the adult flu vaccine. This includes women who are pregnant, anyone who resides with someone who is high risk (like an elderly person, a baby, or someone who has a immune system that is compromised), and also people who reside in group care facilities. There are certain medical conditions, like asthma, which may create you to be vulnerable to the flu, speak with your doctor and ask if you should or should not get the flu shot if you are chronically ill.

Flu vaccinations have saved a lot of lives. Those who are in reduced-risk categories may even so actually succumb fatally or develop grave illness due to influenza. Also, those who are at reduced-risk can still transmit flu to others at elevated risk, with a particular hazard posed to these elevated-risk subjects who aren't able to receive vaccines, like babies.

Coughing, sneezing, and fever are symptoms found both in the common cold and Influenza. However, with the flu, the severity of the symptoms is much greater and it is not uncommon for fevers to reach 104 degrees, severe muscle pain to exist, and diarrhea preventing the person from getting out of bed, eating, or drinking. Many lives have been saved by the influenza vaccine. If you are concerned that your child won't want the injection, there's a pediatric flu vaccine available in the form of a nasal mist. Adults can get an adult flu vaccine too.