Should I Get a Flu Shot Every Season?

You have heard all kinds of stories and feedback in the media about flu shots. Every one seems to be asking themselves should I get a flu shot every season? The first thing you need to understand is the basic information about the flu virus. The second topic is that there are some people that should and should not get flu shots.

Viruses have survived throughout the millennia. That’s what they do best. In order to survive, they mutate, which means they change their basic make up. This is the main reason that our bodies can’t fight off the flu each year, because, each year it’s just a bit different. Once we build up immunity to one virus, the next year, that immunity doesn’t work on the new virus.

There are two types of flu vaccines. The actual flu shot, which is given by needle and contains a killed variation of the virus and the nasal spray which contains a weakened version of the flu virus. According to the CDC, you cannot get the flu from either of the vaccines. The CDC also recommend that there are some people who should get a flu shot every season: Children 6 months to nineteen years of age, pregnant women, people aged fifty or older, people of all ages that have certain chronic medical conditions, people who are in high risk situations such as medical institutions, hospitals, long term care, etc.

While most of us can get the flu shot, there are specific people who are advised against it: Anyone with an allergy to chicken eggs, anyone who has had an allergic reaction to influenza vaccines, infants under the age of 6 months, anyone who has been ill with a moderate to severe fever should wait until full recovery, anyone who developed Guillain-Barre syndrome (also known as GBS) within six weeks of getting a flu shot.

Examine your specific situation when answering the question: should I get a flu shot every season?

Since the flu shot addresses one particular strain, there are those that have chosen to embrace integrative, alternative and homeopathic approaches. This philosophy is to address the health of the whole body to increase the body’s ability to fend off the flu in a quicker manner. The advantages of these approaches is that they will address any flu strain, even as it mutates. Humans have used these approaches throughout the centuries. They range from adding certain herbs such as fresh garlic, certain minerals like zinc to Echinacea. Scientists have studied many of these alternatives with mixed results. They have discovered that Mom’s chicken soup is a good combatant of colds and flues, because it has antibacterial properties and reduces the build up of mucus.

Reme-Flu is a homeopathic product that has had a good amount of success. The two step approach uses organic and inorganic products to gently stimulate the body’s healing mechanisms. Reme-Flu also includes a proprietary formula to speed up the absorption in the cells.

Always consult with your primary physician before adding any product or medication to your regiment. There may be medicinal interactions as well as allergies that your physician will advise you about.

The information supplied in this article is not to be considered as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.