Flu shot or not

The debate of whether to vaccinate your kids or not is a longstanding and sensitive topic to touch on. But what about getting vaccinated as an adult?We’re in the midst of flu season and we’re wondering: do get the flu shot, or not?

First off, what exactly is the flu?

You may be laughing, but many people have flu symptoms before they even realize they have the flu. The flu, a shortened version of its real name: influenza, is a highly contagious infection that takes place in the respiratory tract. Symptoms of the flu include: fever, chills, body and head aches, coughing, sore throat, running nose, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

What is the flu shot?

The flu shot works by stimulating your immune system. Once the flu vaccination is injected, your immune system causes antibodies to develop in order to fight off the infection. It can take around 10 to 14 days for your system to fully react to the flu shot.

Can you get sick from the shot?

Since the virus that’s being injected into your body is inactive, it’s actually said not to be possible to acquire an illness from the vaccine.

Do I have to get the flu shot?

Getting the flu shot isn’t mandatory, but in order to avoid getting the flu, or if you do get the flu, in order to weaken the symptoms, getting the flu shot is recommended. But there are plenty of pros and cons of getting the flu shot.

Pros

-Fighting against influenza

-Works to strengthen your immune system

-Helps lessen flu symptoms if you do end up getting the flu

Cons

-Soreness around the injection site

-Body aches

-Low grade fever

-You can still get the flu with the flu shot

 

Is it worth it? It’s up to you!

Are you getting the flu shot this year? We’d love to hear your thoughts of what you think of vaccinating against the flu!