February 29, 2012
Figuring out if a Flu Shot is Right for You
Posted by: Latest Health Articles : Category: Uncategorized
When flu season rears its ugly head each year, people all over the country try to protect themselves from catching the bug. While some people will drink gallons of orange juice, take vitamin C-rich supplements or Echinacea, and avoid sick people at all costs, sometimes a homeopathic approach just doesn't do the trick. That's where the flu shot comes in and attempts to wipe out that season's nasty virus.
Perhaps you are skeptical and want to know what the risks and benefits of the flu shot are. There are a couple things to consider when determining if you should go in for the shot.
Risks of Getting a Flu Shot
Apart from the momentary pain from getting a flu shot, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider before opting for a vaccination to protect yourself from the seasonal sicknesses. The migraines, body aches, fevers and cold sweats associated with the flu may make the risks of the vaccine worth taking, but you should first understand what those risks are.
Every year, vaccine researchers attempt to predict the flu viruses that will come to fruition before making the annual batch of vaccines. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention claim the vaccine could have a 70 to 90 percent effective rate against specific targeted flu strains — meaning that even if you get a shot, you still might catch the dreaded bug.
Some people believe that even if the shot doesn't work, it can't hurt to get it. However, a small percentage of vaccine recipients do see side effects from the shot, such as fever, swelling, rash, hives, headache and, very rarely, seizures.
Benefits of Getting the Flu Shot
Many people get their flu shot annually in order to really protect themselves from sickness. Because flu viruses evolve so quickly, last year's vaccine won't protect you. After you go in for a shot, your immune system produces antibodies to protect you from catching the flu for about six months.
The cost of a flu vaccine also outweighs the cost of being sick, not to mention the agony and days in bed recovering. On average, a shot costs around $10, whereas coming down with the flu will cost much more for treatment and the pay you may miss if you have to call in sick to work.
Fighting the flu is never fun, and while the flu shot may have a few potential side effects, for most people, it's a good idea to get vaccinated.
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Source: http://www.articletrader.com
Perhaps you are skeptical and want to know what the risks and benefits of the flu shot are. There are a couple things to consider when determining if you should go in for the shot.
Risks of Getting a Flu Shot
Apart from the momentary pain from getting a flu shot, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider before opting for a vaccination to protect yourself from the seasonal sicknesses. The migraines, body aches, fevers and cold sweats associated with the flu may make the risks of the vaccine worth taking, but you should first understand what those risks are.
Every year, vaccine researchers attempt to predict the flu viruses that will come to fruition before making the annual batch of vaccines. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention claim the vaccine could have a 70 to 90 percent effective rate against specific targeted flu strains — meaning that even if you get a shot, you still might catch the dreaded bug.
Some people believe that even if the shot doesn't work, it can't hurt to get it. However, a small percentage of vaccine recipients do see side effects from the shot, such as fever, swelling, rash, hives, headache and, very rarely, seizures.
Benefits of Getting the Flu Shot
Many people get their flu shot annually in order to really protect themselves from sickness. Because flu viruses evolve so quickly, last year's vaccine won't protect you. After you go in for a shot, your immune system produces antibodies to protect you from catching the flu for about six months.
The cost of a flu vaccine also outweighs the cost of being sick, not to mention the agony and days in bed recovering. On average, a shot costs around $10, whereas coming down with the flu will cost much more for treatment and the pay you may miss if you have to call in sick to work.
Fighting the flu is never fun, and while the flu shot may have a few potential side effects, for most people, it's a good idea to get vaccinated.
--
Browse HealthDegreesU.com and find complete information about top allied healthcare schools which are offering health care degree Programs in various disciplines. Choose the best college and healthcare degree course for you to start a career in health care in your preferred location.
Source: http://www.articletrader.com
