ALBANY, Ga. (WOLB) – Now that kids are back in school, experts are encouraging parents to get their kids vaccinated now.
“The flu shot can save your life. More than 200,000 people are hospitalized with the flu each year, but the flu remains the best protection against the disease. It can significantly reduce the severity of symptoms. you know,” said Dr. Tamara Davis, DNP, FNP-C.
According to experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the influenza season runs from September to May.
Davis recommends getting a flu shot by the end of October at the latest, but the sooner you get it, the better.
“We know that it takes about two weeks for the vaccine to become effective, because during that time our bodies have time to build up the antibodies we need to protect us from influenza and illness. “I'm waiting for it,” she says.
Professor Davis recommends that everyone six months of age and older receive an annual influenza vaccine. This is because the influenza virus is constantly evolving, with new strains and variants emerging every year.
“Each year, things change. The CDC does research to see which chains are most prevalent in a given year, and based on that research, they develop how the flu shots we get are developed. Is it 100%? No, there's no such thing as 100%, but some coverage is better than none. That's why everyone over 6 months of age should get the flu vaccine. I recommend it.”
Most people have a common misconception that getting the flu shot can cause you to get the flu. But according to Davis, that's a mistake.
“The flu vaccine won't give you the flu because a) it's made from a dead virus, so it's not contagious and there's no way to get infected with that virus, and b) you can't get the flu anymore. One flu vaccine is made from viral proteins that are also non-contagious, so there is no way to get the flu from a flu shot,” Davis said.
Experts say some people may feel sick after getting a flu shot, but that's just a side effect of the vaccine itself. You can expect to experience pain, muscle aches, or a low-grade fever.
“You want that to happen. Then you know your body is doing what it's supposed to do: building and strengthening the antibodies it needs to fight the disease.” said Davis.
During this time, new coronaviruses, streptococcal infections, and influenza are prevalent. It is important to make sure you are up to date on all vaccines and stay home from school or work if you feel sick.
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