Having your flu vaccinations might not 100% protect you however, having the injection can be a huge benefit. If you was to contract the flu, the injection would provide your body with extra help to fight the infection.
The flu occurs every year, usually at the beginning of the autumn/winter season, this is why it’s sometimes called seasonal flu. It’s a highly infectious disease with symptoms that come on very quickly. Colds are much less serious and usually start with a stuffy or runny nose and a sore throat. A bad bout of flu can be much worse than a heavy cold.
The most common symptoms of the flu are fever, chills, headache, aches and pains in the joints and muscles, and extreme tiredness. As far as it comes for recovery a common cold usually lasts for 2-7 days.
When an individual coughs or sneezes, they spread the flu virus in tiny droplets of saliva over a wide area. These droplets can be breathed in by another individual or picked up by touching surfaces where the droplets have landed.
If your have the flu you can prevent yourself from spreading it by covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, you can wash your hands frequently or use hand gels to reduce the risk of contracting the virus.
Why should you get your flu vaccinations?
There are many reasons why you should get the flu vaccinations every year. Firstly, and most obviously the flu vaccination can keep you from getting sick with the flu.
Flu vaccinations are a good idea for all families. It does not cause the flu and helps keep children and their families from contacting the flu as the colder seasons arrive. Getting the flu can be worse than having a common cold, can keep people sick for a week or more.
Individuals who are 6 months of age and older should get the flu vaccine before the start of each flu season. Some people are more likely to get health problems from the flu, such as the elderly, pregnant women and infants. Individuals with medical conditions like asthma or diabetes. Getting the flu vaccine is especially important for them and for those who live with them.
Anyone is able to get the flu vaccine, however, babies younger than 6 months aren’t able to receive the vaccine. On the other hand, they will be protected if their parents or caregivers have the flu vaccine.
Side effects of the flu vaccine
Just like all medicines, the flu vaccine can cause side effects. They’re usually mild and normally last only a day or two. It’s normal to experience side effects after a vaccine. It shows the vaccine is teaching your body’s immune system how to protect itself from the disease. However, not everyone gets side effects.
Some of the common side effects within the first 2 days of the flu vaccine are:
- Having pain, or tenderness in your arm from the injection
- Feeling tired
- Headache, chills
- Nausea
- Fever
- Feeling generally unwell
Can you have an allergic reaction from the flu jab (vaccine)
It is rare, but allergic reactions can occur. Signs to look out for are hives, swelling, heart racing and difficulty breathing. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to a vaccine or you’re allergic to egg, you might not be able to get the vaccine. For more information contact our pharmacists.
