I’m thinking of getting a flu shot this year, but I am worried that it is not safe for someone over the age of 65. I also have heard that you can get the flu from the flu shot. Is this true? What are my options?
Many people are unaware how serious influenza can be. According to the CDC, influenza and pneumonia combined are the eighth leading cause of death in the United States. The flu is not only dangerous but highly contagious and can disrupt your work, school, and social life for up to two weeks. With the influenza strains changing each year, neither your immune system nor last year’s vaccination might protect you from each year’s new circulating strains.
Contrary to the popular myth that many believe, a flu shot will not give you the flu. The viral strains that are injected are inactive, thus making it biologically unable to cause illness. In 2010 the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices for the CDC expanded their recommendation for annual immunization to include all people aged six months and older.
For the elderly it is especially important to take steps to prevent the flu. Seniors typically have a weaker immune system, which means a case of the flu might lead to higher susceptibility to other infections or viruses such as pneumonia. Please read this following article to learn more about new flu vaccination options and the importance of considering one of these options: New Options for the Flu Shot.
