A flu shot is a vaccine that protects against influenza. Influenza, also known as the flu, is a seasonal virus that impacts the respiratory system. 

Flu shots are extremely safe. The best way to stop the flu from spreading and seriously infecting people is to get it annually.

Several hundred million Americans have safely received flu shots over the last 50 years. It is very uncommon for flu shots to cause severe reactions. On the other hand, bruising and pain at the injection site are among the minor effects of flu shots.  Severe reactions happen in about 0.2 cases out of every million flu shots.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) carefully evaluates the safety and effectiveness of flu shots before approving them for public use.

Additionally, the FDA makes sure that all vaccine ingredients adhere to their stringent Current Good Manufacturing Practice guidelines. In this article, we will look at the basics, advantages, and some common side effects of flu shots.

Who should take the flu shots?

For everyone six months of age and older, the CDC advises getting vaccinated against the flu each year. Even though it isn’t 100% effective, the annual influenza vaccine reduces the risk of developing serious infection-related complications. This is particularly valid for those who are susceptible to serious flu-related complications.

• Adults above 65 are among the high-risk demographics.
• People in nursing homes or long-term care facilities, as well as those in hospitals.
• Little ones, particularly those who are 12 months or younger.
• Women who are pregnant, intend to become pregnant or recently gave birth during flu season.

Those who belong to the following other high-risk categories for flu complications:

• Weekend Immune systems 
• a BMI (body mass index) of 40 or above.
• Nervous system disorders 
• People with chronic illnesses like asthma, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, and diabetes are more likely to experience complications from the flu.
• People who have suffered a stroke.
• individuals under the age of twenty who are undergoing long-term aspirin therapy.
• For the first time, children aged six months to eight years may require two doses of the flu vaccine, spaced no more than four weeks apart. They can then get one annual dose of the flu shot after that. 

If you experienced a severe reaction to a previous flu vaccination, make sure to consult your healthcare team prior to getting vaccinated. Anyone who experienced a serious side effect from a prior flu shot is not advised to get the flu vaccine. 

What are the benefits of getting flu shots?

1. Flu Prevention: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the most effective way to avoid getting the flu is to get the influenza vaccine.
2. Reliability: Even after receiving a flu vaccination, the flu can still strike. If you received the vaccination, your flu symptoms might be less severe if you do become ill.

3. Reduced risk of hospitalization or complications for certain people: In certain populations, influenza vaccine has been demonstrated to reduce the risk of hospitalizations or complications from the virus. It encompasses elderly adults, expectant mothers, young children, and those suffering from long-term illnesses like diabetes, persistent lung disease, and heart disease. 

4. Community protection: By vaccinating against the flu, you not only prevent the flu but also keep others who are unable to get vaccinated from getting sick. This includes individuals who are too young to get a flu vaccine. This phenomenon is highly significant and is referred to as herd immunity.

What are some common drawbacks of getting flu shots?

The following are some potential drawbacks of flu shots:

• Every year, only roughly 40–60% of flu shots are successful in preventing the flu.
• It may take them up to two weeks to begin operating. 
• They can occasionally result in minor side effects like injection site pain, redness, and swelling. 
• Following the injection, some patients may have mild fever, headaches, and muscle aches; however, these side effects should pass after one or two days. 
• Guillain-Barré syndrome can develop after receiving a flu shot in extremely rare cases. Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rare disease in which your immune system attacks your peripheral nerves. Though extremely rare, the condition can be brought on by an influenza vaccine. If you have experienced Guillain-Barré syndrome previously, consult your physician prior to receiving the flu vaccination.

There are just very common symptoms of getting flu shots and side-effects occur in rarest cases only. Just get the flu shots from a reliable community pharmacy in Houston and consult your healthcare professional. 

To Wrap it up! 

The flu is a seasonal, widely distributed virus. The flu can cause serious illness and even death in certain individuals.

One secure method of avoiding the flu is to get an influenza vaccine(flu shot). Getting the flu shot carries few risks, and its side effects are typically minimal. Those who are susceptible to the deadly virus, such as the elderly and small children, should get vaccinated against the flu in order to prevent serious illness.

Typically, doctors offer the flu shot in the early fall. A person should ideally receive the flu vaccination by late October.

Just make sure to get it from the leading community pharmacy or healthcare provider. If you are looking for a renowned Drug store in Houston, then reach out to Scott Read Pharmacy. To place an order, contact now on (832-649-3142)