Health
Center
DiSepio Institute, Rm 019
814-472-3008
Fax: 814-472-2781
Email
Mailing Address
Saint Francis University
P.O. Box 600
Loretto, PA
15940-0600
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Wellness Wendy “Do I Need A Flu Shot?”
Dear Wendy, I heard that the flu shot will be available this month. My mom wants me to get one but I hate getting shots. Do I really need one?
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Dear Feeling Uneasy,
First of all let's look at what influenza (or"the flu") is. The flu is a contagious disease caused by influenza viruses. It attacks the respiratory tract in humans (the nose, throat, and lungs). The flu is different from a cold. It usually comes on suddenly and may include symptoms of a fever, headache, sore throat, dry cough, fatigue, nasal congestion and body aches. Despite popular belief, stomach symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are rarely symptoms of flu in an adult. Most people who get the flu will recover in 1-2 weeks but some can develop life threatening complications, such as pneumonia. People with chronic medical conditions such as asthma can suffer from worsening of those conditions.Influenza spreads in respiratory droplets caused by coughing or sneezing. It spreads from person to person. Adults can infect others beginning one day before getting symptoms and up to 7 days after getting sick. That means that you can give someone the flu before you even know you are sick! What should you do if you get the flu? Rest, drink plenty of fluids, avoid using alcohol and tobacco. Taking over the counter medications to relieve the symptoms of flu may be helpful. Influenza is caused by a virus so antibiotics (such as penicillin) won't cure it. The best way to deal with the flu is to prevent it in the first place! The single best way to prevent the flu is to get the flu vaccine each year. The flu shot is an inactivated (or killed) virus. It cannot, therefore, cause the flu! Side effects are usually mild and can include soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site, low grade fever and muscle aches. If side effects do occur they usually begin soon after the injection is given and can last 1-2 days. Serious reactions such as allergic or neurological reactions are possible but extremely rare. Certain people should not receive the flu shot. Anyone who has a severe allergy to eggs, has had a severe reaction to the flu shot in the past, children less than 6 months of age, and anyone who has developed a neurological disorder called Guillian-Barre Syndrome in the past should not receive the flu vaccine. So now that we know a little more about the flu and the vaccine, let's look at who should get the shot. People over 65, children ages 6 months to 23 months, pregnant women, anyone with a chronic medical condition (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease), or anyone who could spread it to someone with a chronic disease. You would fall into that last category. Students living in dorms can spread the flu very easily and rapidly due to the crowded living environment. Therefore, I do think it is in your best interest to get a flu shot this year. We will be setting the date for flu shots soon so keep your eyes open for that. If you have further questions about the flu or the flu shot, please stop by or contact the Student Health Service at extension 3008.
If you have a question or comment you would like addressed, please mail to Student Health Service.
Disclaimer
This is not intended to be a substitute for a medical examination. It is intended to pass along information that may or may not pertain to you. Its purpose is to be educational and informative, not diagnostic. If you require additional information or have questions--please contact the Student Health Service at x3008.
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