Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a viral infection in the respiratory system. Symptoms of the flu include chills, fever, headache, a runny nose, and coughing. During the flu season, the virus can make its rounds within communities so a flu shot can be one of the options to help prevent the spread of this illness. However, flu shots can come with some disadvantages that may cause long-term effects on your health.
Before getting a flu shot, consider the following:
1. Flu Shot Injuries
Unknown to many, getting a flu shot increases your chances of getting injured. Flu shot injuries can range from redness and swelling around the area where the shot is administered, to suffering serious health issues such as nerve damage from wrongful administration of the injection, as well as allergic reactions, inflammatory conditions, and seizures. The severity of these possible side effects can depend on various factors such as the age and medical condition a patient might have during the time of getting a flu shot. Reporting a flu shot injury should be done immediately if you suspect that your health may have been compromised as a result thereof.2. If You Belong To High-Risk Groups
Before you get the flu vaccine, you must know whether you fall into the category of those who are at high risk of suffering from injuries and side effects. Those in the high-risk category include the elderly, children, pregnant women, as well as those with underlying conditions such as HIV and diabetes. Make sure to consult your doctor before getting a flu shot to have you cleared for it.3. You Can Still Catch The Flu
Getting the flu shot doesn’t mean that you’re exempt from getting the flu. It can take from 4 to 8 weeks for the antibodies to build, meaning you can catch the flu within that period. Other factors that determine whether the vaccine will protect you include the timing of the shot, your age, and the health of your immune system. These all determine how you might respond to the flu virus. This means that if you get the flu shot, you must still practice natural flu prevention methods to lower the risk of catching the virus.4. Vaccines Differ Annually
Vaccines differ annually, meaning you might not experience possible side effects in one year but in another. Every year, there are different strains of flu that need to be prevented accordingly. The ingredients included in the type of vaccine produced each year are aimed at tackling particular strains. Ingredients of a flu shot can include chicken egg proteins, gelatin, and anti-bodies that some may react adversely to. Perhaps one particular year excluded an ingredient that you react to and included it in the following year, which means you might be at risk of experiencing health conditions as a result of that particular flu shot.5. Past Experiences
You can decide whether to get a flu shot based on your past experiences. Although shots vary annually, if you haven’t experienced any discomfort, you might not be among those who get affected. However, if you think back to the times you got a flu shot and you’ve experienced the aforementioned discomforts and pains, you might be one who is sensitive to the possible side effects. Remember to report any injury you think you may have sustained from a flu shot.6. Registered Vaccination Centers
You can get the flu shot from your doctor, a local clinic, a pharmacy, or you can use a vaccine finder to spot places near you in your community. Some people pose as legit vaccination professionals who can take advantage of the flu season. Getting your vaccination from these unregistered and unrecognized places can increase the chances of your health getting compromised, so make sure to research legit places before you get your flu shot.7. Trust Your Instincts
After having researched and considered the factors you need to when it comes to getting a flu shot, your instincts can guide you as to whether or not a flu shot is for you. If you realized that you’ve suffered the consequences of getting a flu shot before, although you were not aware, the best possible decision might be to stay away from the shot and consult a doctor for alternatives.Conclusion
The flu can be uncomfortable and inconvenient. You can protect yourself from the flu by using various natural methods such as frequent hand washing and eating immune-boosting foods. You can also get a flu shot, although much thought must be put into this because of the possible side effects to your health. You must take into consideration your past experiences, medical history, whether you are a high-risk individual, where to get the flu shot, and your instincts.If you suspect that you may have been injured as a result of the flu shot, make sure to reach out to a recommended flu vaccine lawyer. You might get compensated for the suffering that you’ve experienced.
