Flu Season: Should I be Vaccinated?

Flu season is just around the corner. The flu season can begin as early as October and last as late as May. Seasonal flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses and an estimated 5-20% of U.S. residents get the flu each year. The flu can cause mild to severe illness, and in some extreme cases, can even lead to death. The best protection from the flu is to get vaccinated as early as possible and as soon as flu shots are available.

Flu vaccines cause antibodies to develop in the body about two weeks after vaccination. These antibodies provide protection against infection with the viruses that are in the vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that "Everyone 6 months and older is recommended for annual flu vaccination with rare exception." Different flu vaccines are approved for use in different groups of people. Factors that can determine a person's suitability for vaccination, or vaccination with a particular vaccine, include a person's age, health issues            (current and past) and any relevant allergies, including an egg allergy. The CDC offers guidelines for who should receive a flu shot and who should take precautions. Those guidelines can be accessed here.

Since the CDC advocates that "Everyone 6 months and older is recommended for annual flu vaccination with rare exception", both of our Allergies Answered clinics offer flu shots for our patients. To schedule your appointment, please call either our Hammond office at 985-429-1080 or our Metairie office at 504-889-0550. Now is a great time to take care of yourself.