By Dr. Sowmya S. Kurtakoti
Medical Director, Hartford Hospital Senior Primary Care at Duncaster
Every year, medical professionals hear people say, “I’ve never had the flu, so why should I get a flu shot?”
Without it, people are risking serious diseases like influenza, pneumonia or even whooping cough, sometimes leading to hospitalization or worse. Flu symptoms can include fever, chills, muscle aches, coughs, headaches and fatigue, rendering people unable to function or care for themselves or others.
Children and older adults are at highest risk, as are people who have asthma, chronic lung disease, heart disease, diabetes and kidney and liver diseases. Some strains hit seniors especially hard. Studies show that the most deaths from flu are in people age 65 and older, five times the rate of other age groups.
Getting a yearly flu shot not only protects yourself but also others around you. Everyone 6 months old and older should get an annual flu vaccination, according to the Centers for Disease Control Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Getting the vaccination protects against the flu and also reduces the severity if you do contract it.
Each year, the Centers for Disease Control formulates what viruses will be most prevalent for the upcoming flu season. The body’s response declines over time, so last year’s vaccination will not be effective.
As with many things in life, timing is everything. Getting it too early may not protect you throughout the flu season. Seasonal outbreaks can occur as early as October. But influenza activity usually peaks in January or after. It takes approximately two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop, so the CDC recommends it is best to get vaccinated before an outbreak. But getting it too early may not provide adequate protection if exposed to the flu virus later in the season. Plan on getting your shot in the last two weeks of October. Getting vaccinated in August through mid-September is too early, especially for older adults.
This year, Hartford HealthCare at Home will offer a quadrivalent vaccine that protects against four flu strains: two “A” types and two “B” types, says Karen Pagliaro, director of community and government relations, Hartford HealthCare at Home.
The agency will also offer egg-free and preservative-free vaccines. Possible side effects are usually mild and can consist of redness and swelling at the injection site, headache, fever and muscle aches. As the vaccine does not contain active influenza virus, you cannot get the flu from a flu shot.
So why should you get the flu shot? You will keep yourself and those you love healthy, you will not lose days at work or at play, but most important, it could save your life. So roll up your sleeve and get the shot.
To get a flu shot, visit Hartford HealthCare GoHealth Urgent Care or call 860-777-1280. If you need a primary care physician, please visit Hartford HealthCare Medical Group. To learn more about Hartford Hospital Senior Primary Care at Duncaster in Bloomfield, please call 860.863.2771.