Each year, over 30,000 people die from the flu.  Over 200,000 people are hospitalized with complications. Getting the yearly flu shot (vaccine) is your best protection from the flu.

Influenza (Flu)

The seasonal flu refers to several common strains (specific forms) of flu virus that go around each year, mainly in the fall and winter.  A yearly shot (vaccine) can  help prevent it.

Why Get A Yearly Flu Shot?

The flu is more than just a "bad cold."  It's a virus that...

• Infects the respiratory system - This includes the nose, throat and lungs.

• Can spread easily - People with the flu spread infected droplets when they cough or sneeze, which you can contract by inhaling or touching these droplets.

• Can  have severe effects - The flue can be serious for anyone, but young children and older people, and those with  chronic health conditions are most at risk.

• Changes every year - that's why you need a new shot each year.

Common Flu Symptoms Include: Fever Chills Headache Body Aches Extreme Tiredness or Weakness Dry Cough Stuffy or Runny Nose Sore Throat

A nasal spray vaccine is also available. However, certain people should not get this vaccine.  Ask your healthcare provider what?s right for you!

Yearly Flu Shots and Children:  What parents need to know...

Which children need flu shots?
Every child from 6 to 23 months old should get a flu shot each year.  Children under 6 months are too young for the shot.  Also children of any age who are considered "at risk" need flu shot.   Children "at risk" include those with:

• Breathing problems, such as asthma and cystic fibrosis

• HIV/AIDS, cancer or other conditions that weaken the immune system

• Blood disease, including anemia and sickle cell

• Diabetes

• Heart or kidney disease

Don't Believe Flu Shot Myths!

During flu season, other illness (such as colds and bronchitis) can cause breathing problems.  Don't blame the flu shot.  The truth is:

• You can't get the flu from a flu shot!

• Flu shots don't cause asthma or make it worse.

Flu Shots Help Protect the Community.

Children spread the flu more easily than other people.  Children who get the flu shot help protect others from the flu.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I still get the flue if I get the vaccine? It's possible.  It may be a strain of flu virus that is not in the vaccine.  Also, people at high risk may not make antibodies as well.  Generally, it will be a milder case.

Can I get the flu from the flu shot? No.  The shot uses "dead" flu virus.  People get colds and illnesses with flu-like symptoms in fall and winter, but these are not caused by the shot.

Do shots have side effects? Sometimes.  They're usually mild and last only a few days.  They may include: Redness, tenderness or swelling where the shot was given More rarely, a slight fever, weakness or flu complications

Do antibiotics work against the flu? No.  They only work against bacteria (not viruses).  They may be used to treat some flu complications. Is the flu the same as the "stomach flu"? No.  The so-called "stomach flu" is not caused by the flu virus.

Many people in good health get the flu shot to protect their health.  They also want to avoid inconvenience and lost work time caused by the flu.

Does insurance cover the flu shot? Medicare Part B covers the approved charges.  Medicaid and private insurance plans may also cover flu shots.

Will last  year's shot protect against this year's flu? No.  The flu changes every year.  New shots are made each year to protect against several flu viruses.  Children under 9 years old who are getting their first flu shot need two shots (one month apart) to be fully protected.

For more information about the flu and low- or no cost flu shots, contact:

DeSoto County Health Department
34 South Baldwin Avenue
Arcadia, Florida  34266
(863) 993-4601 ext. 106

Links:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Flu Information