|
The flu is a viral respiratory infection that can have
serious repercussions for many people. It is a major cause
of illness and, according to the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC), kills an average of 36,000 Americans
and hospitalizes 114,000 Americans annually. Seniors,
children, and people with chronic health problems can be
particularly susceptible to the effects of the flu.
The CDC recommends flu shots for everyone, especially
those in high-risk groups. Because it is viral, antibiotics
are ineffective. "Preventing the flu is better than treating
it," says Dan Diekema, M.D., UI Health Care physician.
How much do you know about the flu shot? Enough to make
an informed decision?
Myth: I can get the flu from the shot.
Fact: Impossible. The shot is a killed-virus vaccine that
can't give you anything. Some people may have a reaction to
the vaccine, but they don't get the flu.
Myth: The flu vaccine isn't effective.
Fact: No vaccine is 100 percent effective. However, if
you get the flu after receiving the flu shot, you are likely
to be less sick than if you had been without the protection.
The CDC estimates that the risk of being hospitalized is
reduced by 70 percent and the risk of death is lowered by 85
percent for seniors.
Myth: I got a flu shot last year. I don't need one
now.
Fact: A flu shot is needed every year. Each flu season
may bring a new and different strain of the disease. Each
year, a new vaccine is produced that provides protection
against the three most common strains predicted for the
coming season.
For more information about the flu and flu shots, call
UI Health
Access, 319-384-8442, ext. 1003, or 800-777-8442, ext.
1003.
For more information:
Listed above are several Web sites that offer additional
information on this topic. University of Iowa Health Care
does not sponsor or endorse these sites, or guarantee the
accuracy of the information contained on these sites. These
links are here for general information only, and should not
be used for personal diagnosis or treatment. If you have any
questions, please contact UI
Health Access.
Back to top
|
