DEAR DR. GOTT: When I went to visit my doctor last week, he suggested rather strongly that I get a flu shot. Well, I got one last winter and we had a mild season. I didn’t really feel it was necessary to get one then and I’m unsure about getting one this year, too. What’s you opinion?
DEAR READER: Every fall, every case of flu, and every individual is different. And, as we age, our bodies react differently than they have in the past. The flu season can begin as early as October and can last as late as May. During this seven month period, influenza viruses circulate around us. Sometimes we are healthy enough and have strong enough immune systems to bypass the virus, while at other times, we aren’t. Like so many things in life and pardon the expression, it’s a crapshoot.
The flu vaccine is important for those individuals at high risk of complications, such as those with chronic lung disease, asthma, diabetes, individuals 65 and older, and those who provide medical care including stay-at-home caregivers, doctors and nurses. Those who should avoid vaccination include individuals with an allergy to chicken eggs, a history of Guillain-Barre syndrome, have had a reaction to prior influenza immunization, and infants under the age of 6 months.
Flu viruses change from year to year so annual vaccination provides the best protection throughout the season when influenza is most likely to occur. As a general rule, the vaccine takes two weeks from the time of the injection for it to become effective. I have always believed that while the shot is available in early September, the best time to get it is in mid October so protection remains intact until late winter/early spring. The CDC, however, recommends getting the vaccine as soon as available so that as many people as possible are protected before the flu season starts which may be as early as October.
People are different. Some will not experience any side effects at all from the injectable vaccine, while others may run a low-grade fever, mild soreness at the injection side and aches. Generally speaking, these mild symptoms will dissipate in about two days.
In an attempt to reach as many recipients as possible, the vaccine is now available in pharmacies, walk-in clinics, visiting nurse facilities and, of course, doctor’s offices. This year’s vaccine is geared toward preventing influenza B, influenza A (H1N1) and influenza A (H3N2). Those vaccine viruses chosen are the ones most likely to spread and cause illness. The World Health Organization recommends specific ones for vaccine production but individual countries make their own decisions for the licensing of those to be used. The FDA makes that determine in the United States. While vaccines in the past were essentially comprised of three components, one manufacturer in this country has manufactured a quadrivalent vaccine that, while not available for this flu season, is licensed for use by the FDA. I’m sure we will hear more about it next year.
All that being said, I cannot tell you whether or not you should be immunized. I do not know your age, nor do I know your medical history. Do you care for an elderly person in the course of your employment? Your personal physician should know your background so you can both make a decision whether a flu shot is right for you. Either way, wash your hands frequently with anti-bacterial soap, be conscientious but not fanatical about using public telephones and opening public doors, eat well-balanced meals, get adequate sleep, and avoid those individuals who cough openly or otherwise appear ill. Good luck.
