Hot Topic: Arm Yourself Against Flu

Sneeze.jpgThink it's just a bad cold? Think again. It could be the seasonal flu and the flu can be dangerous. Complications of seasonal flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes.

Every year, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized for seasonal flu-related complications and 36,000 people die from flu-related causes.

While getting vaccinated against seasonal flu won't protect you against novel H1N1 ("swine" flu), it is important to get a seasonal flu shot to help you avoid getting a co-infection and to limit opportunities for the H1N1 virus to become resistant to antiviral medications.

Wondering if you should get a seasonal flu shot? Here are some facts that may help you decide.

Myth: The flu shot can cause the flu.
Fact: The flu shot cannot cause the flu. Some people get a little soreness or redness where they get the shot. It goes away in a day or two. Serious problems from the flu shot are very rare.

Myth: The flu shot does not work.
Fact: Most of the time the flu shot will prevent the flu. In scientific studies, the effectiveness of the flu shot has ranged from 70 to 90 percent when there is a good match between circulating viruses and those in the vaccine. Getting the vaccine is your best protection against this disease.

Myth: The side effects are worse than the flu.
Fact: The worst side effect you're likely to get from a shot is a sore arm. The nasal mist flu vaccine might cause nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, and cough. The risk of severe allergic reaction is less than 1 in 4 million.

Myth: Only older people need a flu vaccine.
Fact: In general, anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu can get vaccinated; however, people who should get vaccinated each year are: