Individuals avoid the flu vaccine shot for a number of reasons. Most of these reasons stem from past experiences and or little information about the benefits of a flu vaccination. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is doing an excellent job educating the public on health concerns that become a topic of discussion every flu season.
Susan Laird with the HHS Health-Beat reports, "that it is uncertain how severe this flu season will be." She stresses the importance of receiving the flu shot which will protect others as well as yourself.
Susan also provides a very important message that will eliminate doubt from those wavering on whether or not to receive the vaccination. She states, "some people still believe that the flu shot can make you sick--and that isn't true."
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Influenza Division reiterate the importance of the flu shot while debunking some misconceptions. Dr. Michael Junge states, “The flu vaccine cannot give you the flu. The most common side effects from a flu shot are a sore arm and maybe a low fever or achiness. That’s much better than getting sick and missing several days of school or work or possibly getting a very severe illness and needing to go to the hospital.”
The CDC, "estimates that from the 1976-1977 season to the 2006-2007 flu season, flu-associated deaths ranged from a low of about 3,000 to a high of about 49,000 people."
The public has once again been informed by highly regarded individuals and Government Divisions that work on the topic of influenza in full detail. Maybe this information can prevent influenza fatalities this flu season. The professionals have informed the public that the only real way to prevent the flu--is the flu vaccine shot.
Learn more at www.flu.gov.
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