The Flu Ends with You! What’s the Deal with the Flu and Its Vaccine?

The influenza virus, more commonly known as the flu, is most prevalent during the months of October and April. While for most people, the flu can be an awful inconvenience. However, it can also prove to be life threatening for many immunocompromised individuals. Normally, if a person is infected with the flu, they will exhibit mild symptoms for about 2 weeks. A normal person will experience fever, malaise, a sore throat, a stuffy nose, and a cough. However, there are some awful occurrences in which the flu virus can be deadly. According to the CDC, if pregnant women, young children, adults over the age of 65, and people with chronic illnesses contract the flu, it can cause secondary infections like pneumonia or bronchitis. The duality of the flu and these secondary infections can prove to have deadly consequences.

 According to the World Health Organization, this year’s flu is on par with typical flu seasons in the past. This vaccine protects against 3-4 strains of the virus. Although this is not a final estimate, the CDC reports that 10,000-25,000 people have died from flu complications out of the 19 to twenty million cases of the flu. This showcases that the vaccine’s effectiveness is typical of its usual 60% effectiveness. Therefore, the data itself shows that it is worthwhile to get your flu shot. Typically it is best to receive your vaccine in October, however since flu season is still occuring, it is still worthwhile to go get one if you have forgotten to get one. Also, talking, sneezing, and coughing help to spread this respiratory illness rapidly. Therefore, improve your chances of not contracting this virus by washing your hands and not touching your face. 

Most people agree that the flu shot is important. I personally think it is crucial for the public’s health to get vaccinated. However, many of my friends do not get their flu shot out of pure laziness or because they hold misconceptions about the flu vaccine. To clear up any misconceptions, the flu shot will not give you the flu. If you get the flu, it is because you had the flu before you got the flu shot, or you contracted a different strain than the vaccine contained. No matter what, the vaccine will still lessen your symptoms! Overall, please get your flu shot. That way, people who cannot get their flu vaccine have their best “shot” at being protected by herd immunity.