Who should get the flu shot?

CDC recommends that the following groups receive influenza vaccine for the 2006-2007 season:

• Persons aged 50 years and older
• Residents of long-term care facilities
• Children and adults with certain chronic health conditions
• Children aged 6-59 months
• Pregnant women
• Healthcare personnel
• Household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children under five years of age and persons at high risk of severe complications from influenza

Why should I get the flu shot?

Influenza (“flu”) is a very contagious disease. It is caused by the influenza virus which spreads from infected persons to the nose or throat of others. While some people get sick for a few days, others can get much sicker and develop pneumonia & complications. Unfortunately, influenza kills about 36,000 people each year in the US, mostly elderly.

What are the symptoms of flu?

Anyone can get the flu. It can cause – fever (very high in children), sore throat, chills, cough, headache, muscle aches, fatigue. Often people mistakenly think that “flu” affects the stomach/digestive track. While that upset is probably caused by a virus, it is not influenza. Flu symptoms are more respiratory in nature, and just make you feel plain lousy.

What should I do to protect myself from the flu?

The single best way to prevent the flu is for individuals, especially those at high risk for serious complications from the flu, to get a vaccination each fall.

There are other good health habits that can help prevent the flu. These are:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
• If possible, stay home from work, school, and avoid doing errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
• Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

Where can I get the flu shot?

SMMC Visiting Nurses offers the flu shot at several flu shot clinics throughout the community. Click on the Flu Shot Clinics link for a full list of our clinics.

Can I get the flu from the flu shot?

No. A flu shot does not give you the flu! Sometimes people might be coming down with an illness from another virus (without realizing it) when they get their flu shot. The flu shot will not prevent that virus from attacking your body. In fact, it will take about two weeks for protection to develop after the flu shot. But, the protection will last up to a year.

Why did I get the flu last year even though I got the flu shot?

You most likely did not, but in the rare case that you did get sick from the flu, effects would be milder. While a flu shot can prevent serious illness from the flu, it will not prevent “influenza like” illnesses caused by other viruses. Unfortunately, there are a lot of nasty viruses out there!

Will there be a shortage this year?

No! However, the annual supply of influenza vaccine and the timing of its distribution cannot be guaranteed in any year. Currently, influenza vaccine manufacturers are projecting approximately 100 million doses of influenza vaccine will be available in the US for 2006-2007, approximately 16% more doses than 2005-2006.

 Back to SMMC Visiting Nurses Flu Shot Clinic Listing