
The Flu, the Flu Shot, and What You Can Do!
While it is possible to catch the flu any time of the year, you are particularly susceptible in winter months (and more specifically, Christmas time) for multiple reasons. Luckily, there are steps you can take to proactively avoid the flu and if you are unlucky enough to catch it anyway, manage the symptoms.Flu Season
Essentially every part of the world that has winter months also has a flu season. “Why?” you might ask. Simply put, the influenza virus is more stable—meaning it can stay in the air longer—when the air is cold and dry. Add to this the stress of the holiday (your immune system is weakened by stress) and all of the traveling that takes place during the holidays (airports are notorious for the spread of germs) and the flu season phenomenon is pretty easy to understand at its most basic level.
Flu Shot
The most effective way (short of quarantining yourself) to combat the flu virus is to get the flu shot before it is too late. Researchers spend a lot of resources in identifying the strain of influenza most likely to hit certain areas. Based on that research, new vaccines are made available with each flu season. That is why it is important to get the flu vaccine each year—the flu shot from last year will not protect you from the new flu virus that spreads this flu season. Furthermore, the strain of influenza will determine which type of vaccine you get. While in some years the nasal spray flu vaccine is an option, in the 2016-2017 flu season, only the flu shot (injectable vaccine) is recommended.Who Should Get A Flu Shot?
After receiving the flu shot, your body will build up the resulting antibodies for about two weeks. For this reason, the best time to get the flu vaccination is yesterday. The next best time is today and … well, you get the picture. With a few exceptions like those with allergies or certain medical conditions, it is recommended that every person over the age of 6 months old get the flu vaccination. To find out if you are a candidate, you will want to consult with a health care professional—though you would likely know if there is a possibility that you are not a candidate.Flu Shot Side Effects
More common side effects to the flu shot include soreness at the injection site. Around 64% of those getting the flu vaccination reported this side effect, though it is usually fairly mild and can be treated with ice and anti-inflammatories if treatment is needed at all. The soreness generally subsides in around two days. You probably know someone who complains that whenever they get the flu shot, they “get the flu.” This may be sort of true in a way—the flu shot is made of recombinant and inactivated flu microbes, the mild headaches, muscle aches and fever in comparison to actually getting the flu. Furthermore, this reaction is relatively rare. Most people get the flu shot with no serious issues whatsoever.Allergic Reactions From the Flu Shot

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