2009 Seasonal Flu Q&A
By Janice Cook
WIN for Alaska, Inc. Wellness Consultant

Who should get the flu shot?
Anyone who wants to decrease his or her chances of getting the flu should be vaccinated. If you fall into one of the categories listed below, then you should be vaccinated, as these groups have a higher chance of serious flu-related symptoms or reactions.

• Children 6 months to 19 years of age
• Women who are pregnant
• Adults over the age of 50 years old
• People with certain chronic medical conditions
• Patients in nursing homes or long-term health care facilities
• Healthcare workers
• Anyone who cares for one of the above listed groups

Who should NOT get the flu shot?
The flu vaccine is made from growing the dead viruses in egg, so anyone who has an allergy or severe reaction to eggs should not be vaccinated. Also, there is a small percent of people who have a history of Guillian-Barre’ Syndrome (GBS) after receiving a previous flu shot and they should not be revaccinated.

Pros and Cons of the flu shot.
Receiving the flu shot is shown to prevent the flu in about 70-90% of the healthy population below the age of 65. The percentage goes down as you age and for those who are not so healthy. With all the variants of the influenza virus floating around, it is hard to get a perfect vaccination, but by keeping abreast of all the types of influenza outbreaks, the vaccine can be made using multiple types of virus so that the annual flu shot covers a lot of what is presently out there. Getting the flu shot may not keep you from getting the flu, but the symptoms should be much less severe than they otherwise would be.

The risk of a flu shot causing serious harm or death is extremely small. But, because the vaccine is like any other medication, some people do have reactions to it similar to the allergic reactions you see with certain medications. Some of the side effects that can occur are:

• A low-grade fever
• Aches and pain at the injection site
• Redness and slight swelling at the injection site

Signs of a severe allergic reaction (which are rare) can include:

• Problems with breathing
• Hives
• Paleness
• Weakness
• Fast heartbeat
• Wheezing
• Hoarseness
• Dizziness

If any of these reactions occur, they will do so anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours after receiving the vaccine.

Sources: MedicineNet, October 20, 2009: Flu Vaccine (Influenza immunization) 2009;
Centers for Disease Control October 20, 2009: Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine 2009