Everything you need to know about flu shots in 2018

The 2017-2018 flu season was particularly hard. Strain H3N2 led to the wide spread of the virus and serious diseases throughout the country, writes The Time. Last year, about 80 killed thousands of people, including 180 children, due to the flu, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

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Experts say that this year the flu season will be milder. But that's what it costs to know about 2018-2019 flu.

When to get a flu shot

The CDC recommends vaccination against influenza at the end of October, before the main season of influenza 2018-2019 begins. If you skip this window, you can get vaccinated during the fall or winter, but then the risk that your body will not have time to develop antibodies before the start of the season is higher.

How effective is the vaccine?

A vaccine is developed annually for certain strains of influenza that will be distributed throughout the season. But without knowing exactly which strains will cause the disease, it is impossible to accurately predict how effective vaccination will be.

During the past season, the Department of Health stated that the vaccine is effective only in 32% cases. But in the CDC they say that even a small increase in immunity can help both in particular cases and for the entire population. If fewer people get sick, then the number of flu viruses will be less, and the effect of vaccination will be longer. Vaccinations are most effective for children and the elderly, who tend to experience complications after an illness.

Which vaccine is best

There are vaccines developed for certain age groups, but you can consult your doctor to find the right option for you. The CDC does not see much difference between vaccines, but they say that the most important thing is that all people aged six months and older should be vaccinated.

Where to get a flu shot free of charge

Some employers, as well as national retailers, offer free vaccinations. Free vaccination is also included in most insurance packages or subscriptions in pharmacy chains such as Walgreens, CVS, Publix, Costco, Walmart and Rite Aid.

Can I get the flu after vaccination?

Flu vaccines include a weakened version of the flu to help the body produce the necessary antibodies to fight the disease, but it does not cause the disease. After vaccination, you will not get a full-blown flu attack, but there may be side effects, such as pain and redness at the injection site, as well as a slight fever.

Who should not be vaccinated

The CDC recommends vaccinating all people older than six months, including pregnant women and people with chronic illnesses. But, if you are allergic to some components of the vaccine, then you should not do it. It is also worth being careful of people who have had Guillain-Barre syndrome. Wait with vaccination and then, if you are already sick. The vaccine may increase the symptoms of the disease.

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