The chill in the air is a sign flu season isn’t far off, and there’s a reason you’re seeing so many signs for shots.
The CDC expects the worst of this year’s outbreak to hit this region in December and January. “No one is immune to the flu, that’s the biggest reason to get a shot,” said Dr. Paul Sehdev at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center.
More: CDC flu info
This year’s vaccine packs protection against two new strains.
Sehdev stresses the flu shot can’t make you sick.
“The virus we give you in the vaccine is not living. A fever people might get after having it is due to an immune response. It tells you your body is building antibodies,” he said.
Last year 40 percent of adults and just over 50 percent of children had flu shots, according to the CDC.
“A lot of people say last year I got the shot but I still got the flu. Actually what they got was something else, like another type of respiratory illness,” remarked Sehdev.
The vaccine is recommended for everyone older than six months and Sehdev points out there are only a few exceptions.
“People who have egg allergies should not get vaccinated but if you can eat chicken and eggs you should get the shot.” Sehdev also reminds patients 36,000 people died from influenza last year. Those most at risk are the elderly and young children.
