Flu shots - yay or nay?
It is that time of the year when many people suffer from colds and flu. Should you get a flu shot? Here is what you need to know...
With winter upon us, many of us will have to deal with colds and flu.
According to research, the winter season is one of the highest seasons when people report to the doctor’s office or skip work and school due to flu.
The flu vaccine has been shown to reduce the risk of having to go to the doctor with flu by 40 percent, reports Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
What is the flu vaccine/shots?
CDC: "Influenza (flu) vaccines (often called flu shots) are vaccines that protect against the four influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming season".
How do people receive the shots?
Most flu vaccines are flu shots given with a needle, usually in the arm, but there also is a nasal spray flu vaccine.
READ: Ways to keep your child healthy in winter
What are the benefits of flu shots?
According to CDC and WHO, flu shots have been proven to reduce the risk of flu illness, hospitalisation, and in some cases even death.
A 2021 study showed that among adults hospitalised with flu, vaccinated patients had a 26% lower risk of intensive care unit (ICU) admission and a 31% lower risk of death from flu compared with those who were unvaccinated, reports CDC.
It also reports that flu vaccination has been associated with lower rates of some cardiac events among people with heart disease, especially among those who have had a cardiac event in the past year.
READ: Change of season: Boost your immune system to lower chances of getting sick
How often should you get vaccinated?
Health professionals recommend getting a flu shot once a year.
Disclaimer: Health related information provided in this article is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems. It is always advisable to consult with your doctor on any health-related issues.
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