Flu season is different every year, and it’s important to make sure you’re ready.
Even the healthiest people can get very sick from influenza because it affects everyone differently. So what can you do to prevent getting the flu? Look into getting the flu shot.
Who Can Get the Flu Shot
The flu shot reduces your chances of getting the flu, minimizes the symptoms if you do get sick, and helps prevent spreading the flu virus to others. The CDC recommends that everyone age six months or older get vaccinated. However, the flu shot is particularly important for:
- Pregnant women
- Senior citizens
- Young children
People with the following chronic medical conditions should also strongly consider getting the flu vaccine:
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Cystic Fibrosis
- HIV/AIDS
- Kidney Disease
- Liver Disease
Consult Pediatrics of Northeastern Pennsylvania prior to getting a flu vaccine if you have had a negative reaction to a previous vaccine, are allergic to eggs or mercury, or have a fever.
Are There Different Types of Flu Vaccines?
There are a few different options for the flu vaccine:
- High-Dose Flu Vaccine – Due to a weakened immune system, the regular flu vaccine isn’t effective for people 65 or older. The FDA approved a high-dose flu vaccine, which contains four times the amount of antigens as there are in a normal-dose flu vaccine.
- Trivalent Flu Vaccine – This is considered to be the “regular flu vaccine.” It protects against two influenza A viruses (an H1N1 and an H3N2) and an influenza B virus.
- Intradermal Flu Shot – The intradermal flu shot is exactly like the trivalent flu vaccine except the needle is 90 percent smaller than those used in a traditional flu shot.
- Nasal Spray Vaccine – People with no chronic medical conditions, who are not pregnant, and who are between two and 49 years of age are also eligible for the nasal spray form of the flu vaccine
Learn more about Pediatrics of Northeaster Pennsylvania’s flu guide today!
If you have any further questions or would like to schedule a flu vaccine, call Pediatrics of Northeastern Pennsylvania at (570) 346-1464.
