It’s almost that time of year again when millions of people choose whether to get their annual flu shot. As a pharmacist, I am always asked, “should I get a flu shot?” This isn’t always easy to answer. Getting a flu shot depends on many factors. The top five factors I use to help answer this question: overall medical condition, age, health, exposure (accidental or occupational) and immune system health.
After analyzing the above five factors as it relates to the patient, I will typically lean one way or another on the flu shot question. If you believe the hype in marketing and the CDC guidelines, then everyone must get a flu shot.
The flu shot for 2010 is formulated to include the H1N1 (swine flu 0f 2009) antibody and two other strains (H3N2 Influenza A and Influenza B). These are the viral strains that researchers are PREDICTING to be the most common. So, based on this information, you are “rolling the dice” that the three viral strains in this year’s flu shot will provide enough protection for this year’s flu season. A good bet in most cases for most people for protection. However, if this year’s “community” viral strain is different than the three viral strains in the 2010-11 flu shot, then there is a high probability that you can get the flu even after getting the shot.
This is best shown by what happened last year. Patients got the seasonal flu shot, but still got the flu. The reason being that the viral strain, H1N1, was different than the previous years and was not predicted to be an issue. As a result, some people died from the lack of protection. People had to get two shots last year for “full protection”; however, most people just got the H1N1 shot as soon as it was available since this particular viral strain was the main cause of distress.
So what do I recommend? I recommend that if you answer “yes” to any of the following questions, do yourself (and your loved ones) a favor and get the flu shot:
- Do you currently have ANY chronic medical issues?
- Are you over 65, or care for someone over 6 months of age?
- Is your overall health compromised in ANY way (e.g.: pregnancy)?
- Do you work in or are routinely exposed to areas frequented by sick people?
- Are you prone to infections or lung/sinus/ear related issues (allergies, stuffiness, etc) easily?
By getting the flu shot, you not only protect yourself from getting the flu, but you also reduce chances of flu virus transmission between people. If you: feel strong, are healthy and invincible, are allergic to eggs, and don’t think you are prone to being infected even if you are routinely exposed to health-challenged individuals, and don’t want to get a flu shot, then maybe you won’t need one. In this case, I wish you continued success in your health.
Until next week, stay healthy.
Dion