The flu can affect as much as 20% of the US population during any given year. While typically flu symptoms are more inconvenient than anything else, in some cases, contracting the flu can be fatal.
One of the best lines of defence modern medicine has provided in the way of combating the contraction of severe flu symptoms is getting a flu shot. Despite flu shot’s documented effectiveness, controversy has swirled around getting one in recent years.
While the vast majority of medical professionals advocate for your getting vaccinated against the flu, our aim with this article is to objectively share pros and cons commonly cited when it comes to flu shots to help you better form your decision on whether or not they’re right for you.
Below are a few of the most widely touted benefits of getting vaccinated against the flu…
The most obvious benefit of flu vaccines is that you won’t contract the flu during the year. That means no taking time off work or missing other life obligations.
If despite your vaccine you encounter a strong strain of the flu virus and start exhibiting symptoms, your symptoms will likely be a lot milder given your being vaccinated.
We’ve mentioned it previously in this article and we’ll say it again, the flu can cause severe health complications and can even be deadly. This is particularly true in higher-risk populations like the elderly and children.
Below are some cited criticisms when it comes to getting vaccinated against the flu. You’re not alone when it comes to being unhappy with the vacinnation choice, here are some reasons why.
Some people could be allergic to the flu vaccine. If you are, you’ll exhibit symptoms either immediately or within a couple of hours.
Symptoms include breathing issues, rashes, swelling, irregular heart palpitations and more.
If you experience any of these symptoms post getting a flu shot, get emergency medical help immediately.
Different people react to vaccinations in different ways. For a small portion of the population, flu vaccines could result in their feeling ill or contracting a fever.
In extremely rare cases, flu shots have been accused of causing a recipient’s immune systems to attack peripheral nerves. This condition is called Guillain-Barre Syndrome.
If you’ve had Guillain-Barre syndrome in the past, talk to your doctor prior to getting vaccinated.
We’ve outlined 3 advantages and 3 cited disadvantages to getting a flu shot. While it is for you to decide whether or not flu vaccinations are right for you, in our opinion, rewards outweigh shot’s rare risks.
If you’re interested in getting vaccinated against the flu or are exhibiting flu-like symptoms and are in the Baton Rouge area, visit Coastal Urgent Care Baton Rouge.
We’re open every day from 9 am to 8 pm and have been serving our community’s broad health needs for years.
Contact us us Coastal Urgent Care of Baton Rouge if you have any questions, or walk at in any time during business hours.