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Reasons to Get a Flu Shot

Influenza, or flu, is an infectious disease caused by a virus; it can't be treated with antibiotics as bacterial infections. Symptoms include fever, headaches, cough, sore throat and aching muscles, according to the British National Health System. The flu vaccine is an effective way of preventing the disease, as well as avoiding the spread of the virus to others. The vaccine's safety and rare side effects, the serious health dangers flu presents to people with weak immune systems, and the high spread rates of the virus are some of the reasons to get a flu shot.

  1. Flu is a Contagious Disease

    • The influenza virus can be easily spread through nasal secretions or in small droplets of saliva when an infected person coughs or sneezes into the air. If other people breathe in these droplets,they can become infected, according to the British National Health System. The virus can also spread by hand contact if infected people sneeze into their hands and touch door handles or other public surfaces before washing hands.

    A Flu Shot is Safe

    • Flu shots are safe and are an effective prevention against the disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu shots causing serious harm are very rare. The viruses in the vaccine are dead, so there is no danger of getting flu from the vaccine. Minor side effects that can occur after the vaccination include soreness or swelling where the shot was given; sore, red or itchy eyes; cough; fever; and aches. People with an egg allergy must avoid the flu vaccine, because its viruses are grown in eggs.

    Flu Can Make Existing Health Conditions Worse

    • Although anyone can get the virus, some people are much more vulnerable to the infection and can get much sicker, including infants, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune system. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (see reference 4), flu can cause pneumonia and represents a real health danger, especially to people with existing medical conditions such as lung, heart and kidney disease.

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