This year, the CDC recommends against using the nasal spray, due to questions surrounding its effectiveness. Every year, thousands of people in the United States die from flu or pneumonia and many more are hospitalized. Many kids preferred this method to getting a shot. According to the CDC, about 45 percent of the U.S. population got vaccinated against the virus last year, down 1.5 percent overall from the previous year.
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“We don’t know why, but the vaccine efficacy data for the last couple of years suggest that it was not protective, and therefore we’re not recommending it”.
In years after the first vaccine, the new vaccine’s impact on the immune system is “slightly dampened” but still produces sufficient immunity to protect most people against the flu – that is, if the vaccine successfully has targeted the A- and B-strains circulating that year.
Visit the CDC’s webpage to find out more about the influenza virus and how to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Interior Health also reminds the public that visitors are required to have had a flu shot or wear a mask when visiting patients in Interior Health or its contracted facilities during the influenza season.
By examining influenza infections around the world, researchers try to predict which forms of the virus will be prevalent in the upcoming season.
Families should check with their healthcare providers and get their vaccines when supplies are available, rather than waiting for a preferred brand. The CDC recommends only the flu shot.
The goal is for the entire process to take 15 minutes or less per person, Franklin County Public Health spokeswoman Michelle Day said. Most side effects are temporary and mild, such as soreness and redness at the injection site, cough, nasal congestion, sore throat and chills.
“I’m going to give you the bottom line up front”. It works with the body to build antibodies against the viruses. And unnecessary exertion may tire you out and prevent you from getting better.
In addition to vaccine, New Mexicans can avoid catching the flu or passing it on to others by washing their hands frequently, covering their mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, and staying home when ill.
Vaccination benefits the whole community.
“People don’t realize how sick you get when you get the flu”, he said.
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Other ways to prevent the flu? The common cold and the flu are both respiratory illnesses, but are caused by different types of viruses. In extreme cases, it can cause death.
