Influenza Update: It Is Not Too Late To Get A Flu Shot

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The flu, also known as influenza, is an infectious disease commonly caused by an influenza virus. It is common between the period of December and February. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has warned of a severe strain rate of illness this year.

It can be accompanied by mild to severe symptoms including fever, runny nose, sore throat, muscle ache, headache, coughing and fatigue which usually manifest two days after exposure to the virus and can last for a week or more. This year however, it is not too late to receive the flu shot.

Those who have not gotten the flu shot are recommended to do so. "It is not too late to get a flu vaccine, because you could potentially get the flu from now until April. And this one is predicted to be pretty severe, so that is all the more reason to get the vaccine," professor of immunobiology at Yale Medical School, Akiko Iwasaki says.

He added that the vaccine can take a week or two to become fully effective so the earlier the better. Persons with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of contracting the disease.  It mostly occurs in older adults who are 65 years and older.

He continued to say that flu mortality rate is mostly overlooked bit 90 percent of death as a result of influenza occurs in this age group, which makes it especially important for people in the age group to get vaccinated. The vaccine dose for persons older than 65, this year is higher than usual and it includes more flu antigens than the regular flu shots, according to WNPR.

In order to prevent illness when the flu gets more prevalent in the fall of winter, getting the shot now is the best idea, as it can affect people of all ages and yes, even healthy people can get the flu. Getting an annual flu vaccine is the best way to prevent the illness.

The CDC has also urged that children who are six months or older be vaccinated. They recommend the prompt treatment with antiviral drugs for people who are at high risk of flu or are already sick.

According to Nevada Appeal, Carson City Health and Human Services urge everyone to get the flu shot most especially those who are at high risk of the condition such as, aforementioned adults 65 years and older, children between the age of 6 months and 5 years of age and pregnant women. In addition to getting a flu shot, People are also recommended to stay away from germs by maintaining personal and environmental hygiene.

A person who suspects he has the flu is advised to remain at home and contact his doctor on phone so he does not expose other people to the illness. They are advised as a precautionary measure to always cover their mouth when they cough or sneeze and wash their hands frequently with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.