Why do doctors suggest that people get a flu vaccine?
An annual seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to help protect against flu. Vaccination has been shown to have many benefits including reducing the risk of flu illnesses, hospitalizations and even the risk of flu-related death in children.
Is flu shot good for everyone?
Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every season with rare exceptions. Vaccination is particularly important for people who are at higher risk of serious complications from influenza. A full listing of people at Higher Risk of Developing Flu-Related Complications is available.
What are the pros and cons of having a flu jab?
The cons of the flu shot are mild side effects and the possibility that you may still get the flu even if you get vaccinated….Pros of the flu shot
- Prevents the flu.
- Even if you do get the flu, it will likely be less severe.
- The flu shot can keep you out of the hospital.
How soon after flu shot do you feel tired?
These effects usually last less than two days. To help reduce discomfort, try taking some ibuprofen before getting your shot. After your shot, you might have headaches or some achiness and pain in the muscles throughout your body. This also usually happens on the first day and goes away within two days.
Is there a downside to getting the flu shot?
Some possible downsides to flu shots include: only about 40–60% of flu shots are effective in preventing the flu each year. they can take up to 2 weeks to start working. sometimes, they cause mild side effects, such as pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site.
What should you not take before a flu shot?
“Unless your health care provider tells you otherwise, it’s best not to take pain relievers one or two days before the flu vaccine and for a week afterward,” said David J. Topham, Ph. D., a study author and professor in the Center for Vaccine Biology and Immunology at URMC.
Can I administer my own flu shot?
You can’t go wrong,” and having a DIY option might improve vaccination rates, said Eugene Millar of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Rockville, Maryland. So far, only health professionals are allowed to give MedImmune’s FluMist, the only flu vaccine sold as a nasal spray.
Where should a flu shot be injected?
For adults 19 years of age and older, the deltoid muscle in the upper arm is the preferred site, although the vastus lateralis muscle in the anterolateral thigh may be used if the deltoid site cannot be used. Influenza vaccines are not highly viscous, so a fine-gauge (22- to 25-gauge) needle can be used.
Can you give yourself a flu shot?
How do you give a painless flu shot?
Make it as pain-free as possible
- Let the alcohol dry – This is pretty basic but, surprisingly, often skipped.
- Insert and remove the needle quickly – a slow needle is a painful one.
- Distract – Although some patients prefer to know when it’s coming, having their attention elsewhere actually reduces the perception of pain.