The holiday season is upon us, which means we’ll soon be with family and friends in celebration. It’s critical we protect ourselves and our loved ones as we gather because the flu season runs through the holiday season, and beyond. Before the festivities begin, start building your immunity and schedule your flu shot at Hamilton Community Health Network.
The flu afflicts millions of people each year, and health experts recommend everyone over the age of six months receive the shot to reduce the risk of infection, hospitalization and even death.
“I want people to know the flu is a serious condition,” said Dr. Huda Elhwairis, lead physician at Hamilton Community Health Network’s Main clinic on North Saginaw Street in Flint. “A lot of people think it’s just the common cold. That’s a myth.”
Dr. Elhwairis said there are many harmful myths perpetuated regarding the flu and the flu shot or flu vaccine. The most recurring misinformation she hears is that the vaccine gives you the flu. When speaking with patients at the clinic to dispel that falsehood, she explains how the flu shot is an inactive virus.
“You aren’t getting the flu, you are getting the part of the virus that stimulates antibodies,” she said. “So, when people ask why they get symptoms, we explain that the body is producing antibodies so it’s a sign you are actually responding positively to the vaccine.”
When someone becomes ill following the vaccine, it’s not due to the shot since it’s made from an inactivated virus, or a ‘dead’ virus, that doesn’t transmit infection. The vaccine only protects from one strain, so the likelihood is that person got infected from something else. The vaccine can also take a week or two to start working.
Many misconceptions are also held by younger people through a belief the flu is only dangerous to older people. While those age 65 and older are at higher risk, there are cases of younger people experiencing hospitalization from the flu and even death. And for younger people, vaccination can help protect the people close to them.
“There’s a social responsibility to getting the vaccine,” said Dr. Elhwairis. “You could have the flu and you’re giving it to people not knowing. It’s important to understand if you take the shot, you are protecting other people too.”
Flu symptoms typically include fever, muscle aches and nausea. However, 20 to 30 percent of people with the flu don’t have visible symptoms despite being contagious. Even if contracting the virus doesn’t adversely affect you, it’s possible you unwillingly pass the flu to someone at a higher risk of complications.
Dr. Elhwairis said while flu deaths have decreased recently, contracting the flu is still a serious condition — especially for those at increased risk due to lower immunity levels. People at higher risk who should immediately receive the vaccine include those over 65 years of age, people with chronic conditions (such as asthma, heart disease, etc.), smokers and those who are pregnant. Serious complications from the flu can include bacterial pneumonia, bronchitis, and even sepsis.
While you can receive a vaccine at any time during flu season — which normally runs October through April — Dr. Elhwairis advises to get it now, especially before the holidays, to start prevention as soon as possible. She said another myth is that the month you received it the year prior is the month you then get it annually. However, people are eligible for the vaccine at any point during flu season year to year.
“This is the peak time when you have more infections happening,” she said. “So, it’s the right time to get the flu shot.”
Have a happy and healthy holiday season. Prevent the flu from becoming an uninvited guest at your celebrations by getting the shot and encouraging friends and family to do the same.
Call Hamilton Community Health Network at (810) 406-4246 or visit hamiltonchn.org to schedule an appointment for your flu vaccine at one of their conveniently located clinics. It only takes a minute.
Originally published by MLive.
