The truth about flu shots

By Jim Tiffin
Cibola County Bureau

GRANTS — There is an old wives’ tale, that today still circulates and is not true — the reality is: You cannot get the flu from a flu shot.

The flu vaccine takes dead influenza cells and creates a vaccine using eggs that helps prevent one from contracting flu. If you do get the flu, the flu shot helps reduce the severity of the symptoms.

When a flu shot is given, it may give the patient a flushed feeling, a slight temperature and soreness in the arm, but that is normal, health officials say, a typical reaction to the shot, and one that has been confused with giving patients the flu.

The best protection from the flu is two-fold: A flu shot and washing your hands all the time. Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing and wash your hands as much as possible — the influenza virus can be transmitted by contact with another person.

Centers For Disease Control researches say if you have to sneeze, do so into your armpit rather than trying to use a tissue. It helps reduce the distance sneeze droplets travel and will help from affecting other people.

There are people who, because of medical conditions, are at a higher risk than the normally, healthy population, of having the flu create problems.

Health officials at all levels urge adults and their children to get a flu shot every fall to help prevent or reduce the intensity of the flu when it strikes. A pneumonia shot every five years is also recommended.