It is recommended for everyone older than six months of age
MARQUETTE -- The flu is an infection of the nose throat and lungs that can be caused by many different flu viruses.
Health professionals say getting a flu vaccine is the best way to protect children and adults from the flu. And it's recommended for everyone over the age of six months, even women who are pregnant.
"It is recommended that regardless of trimester in pregnancy that they do receive their influenza vaccine,” Dr. Kevin Piggott, Director of the Marquette County Health Department said. “And it's also protective of their newborn infant because, again, we cannot immunize then until six months."
And let's not forget about last years H1N1 outbreak.
This season’s flu vaccination has it covered.
"This years seasonal influenza vaccine contains the 2009 H1N1 influenza antigens, so it does induce and immunity or antibody response to the 2009 H1N1," Piggott said.
The side effects of the flu vaccination are typically minimal; there may be soreness or redness where the shot was given. And the nasal flu vaccine can sometimes cause a stuffy nose.
So why is it important to take time out of your day to get vaccinated?
"I think the single most important thing is that getting vaccinated improves our productivity in our community,” Fred Benzie, Health Officer of the Marquette County Health Department said. “That's why I say you know it's easy, it's safe, and the more people we get vaccinated the better community protection we provide."
The flu is easily spread by coughing, sneezing or talking. So simple practices like covering your mouth when you sneeze and washing your hands are important to keep in mind.
But health professionals stress getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent the flu.
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