It’s that time of year for me to write a column to remind you to get a flu shot. Having done similar write-ups several times in the past, kind of like all my life, I thought I’d have some fun with this one.
A few years back, my colleagues and I competed in the Carpinteria Triathlon. We signed up as Team Floo Fighters because of what we do for a living, and also as a tribute to one of my favorite rock bands.
For the best of you who also enjoy Dave Grohl and the Foo Fighters, you’re welcome. You’ll find Foo song titles in italics. For those who don’t, I hope you still consider getting a flu shot before we have a breakout.
Times Like These
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that each year, starting around summer’s end (October), the influenza virus sickens millions, hospitalizes hundreds of thousands and kills thousands (sometimes tens of thousands) of people.
To combat this potentially deadly virus, a new influenza (flu) vaccine is developed each year based on the strains of influenza that are predicted to circulate from October through May. This means that a new flu vaccine will be created next year.
What Is Influenza?
Influenza is a seasonal virus that causes a sudden onset of high fever, body aches, headache, cough, runny nose, sore throat, fatigue, vomiting or diarrhea. Some will feel about as lonely as you can feel and complain that “my poor brain hurts.”
Symptoms are more severe than the common cold, with fevers that seem to last everlong, leave you MIA and feeling exhausted for weeks until you are back on the mend.
People at high risk, including young children and others with low immunity or chronic health conditions, may get sicker and develop pneumonia, dehydration or require hospitalization.
Recommendations for 2019-20
Cheer up, boys, there is a way to prevent the flu! Since 2010, the CDC has recommended that virtually everyone older than age 6 months receive a yearly flu vaccine.
Vaccine Effectiveness
It is estimated that last year’s flu vaccine was about 50 percent effective. What does that mean? While not a miracle, about 50 percent of people who got the vaccine didn’t develop the flu or had only a very mild case.
Of the other 50 percent, they may have had much less severe symptoms or were less likely to contract and pass the virus on to another person.
The more people who get the flu vaccine each season, the less likely the flu virus is to spread through our community and find those who are medically fragile, have low immunity or are unable to receive a flu vaccine.
This is the principle of “herd,” “community” or, as the Foo might call it, “congregation” immunity.
Each year, scientists predict which strains might appear in the United States. Examples include H1N1 and H3N2 (A320 is not a strain of influenza).
Sometimes the virus will mutate or a new strain of influenza will emerge. If you come in contact with a mutated (or a new strain), then your vaccine may not offer you as much protection.
Types of Flu Vaccine
Several versions of the flu vaccine are available, including inactivated trivalent and quadrivalent vaccines (“killed” virus that protects against three or four strains of flu) intended for people 6 months or older. There is also a high-dose “big me” version of flu vaccine intended for people age 65 or older.
These are the “up in arms” injectable flu shot options.
For those who dislike shots, a nasal spray vaccine with a live attenuated (weakened virus) is approved for ages 2 to 49 (except for those who are pregnant or have certain medical conditions).
Pediatric Considerations
Complications of influenza are more common in younger and older age groups. Virtually all children age 6 months or older should receive a yearly flu vaccine.
For kids younger than age 9 and receiving their first flu vaccines, another round of flu vaccine is recommended four weeks after their initial dose. This booster dose provides enhanced immunity.
Will the Flu Shot Give You the Flu?
The answer is NO. (Insert neverending sigh here.) Although it sometimes has a bad reputation, an inactivated flu vaccine cannot cause you to get sick because it is an empty-handed/killed vaccine.
Sometimes my patients will report a side effect of feeling achy or feverish a day later. You are still better off having a day of mild achiness rather than two weeks of hell.
Keep in mind that the flu vaccine is often given during cold season, so catching a cold virus other than influenza is possible around the same time of year.
Will the Flu Vaccine Prevent Me From Getting “Sick” This Winter?
The answer is also NO. I wish I could promise that you’d be completely in the clear.
The flu vaccine will reduce the chances of catching influenza, but it will not offer protection against the common cold or stomach viruses (sometimes mislabeled as the “stomach flu”).
Good handwashing and staying away from sick people are the best ways to stay healthy.
When and Where Should You Get the Flu Vaccine?
The time is now. You might want to run, not walk to your nearest doctor’s office, drug store or health fair. In a normal year, we’d love to have everyone vaccinated before the end of October.
Don’t worry, though, there will be enough space for you and your family at upcoming community flu clinics. You won’t need to come back.
Learn to Fly with the Floo Fighters
Don’t be the pretender. Don’t let the flu throw a monkey wrench into your plans.
Instead of saying, “I should have known,” and letting the flu turn you to skin and bones, please be my hero and get yourself a flu vaccine.
— Dr. Dan Brennan is a board-certified pediatrician at Sansum Clinic and a Santa Barbara native who enjoys rocking out with his wife and three boys. He can be contacted at 805.563.6211, or click here for more information about Santa Barbara Pediatrics. The opinions expressed are his own.
