Things you need to know about the flu vaccine

With flu season just around the corner, we wondered how many people are planning on getting the flu vaccine this year and if they received one last year. We released a survey on our mobile app. Here's what we found:


 

The poll was available on the iTriage phone app from September 10, 2014 to September 24, 2014. We heard from 1,902 respondents, which included 1,037 women (58%) and 751 men (42%). The response rate from all age groups was evenly distributed, reflecting the opinions of people aged 17 and younger to 65 and older. The people we heard most from were those aged 45 to 54 (18.66%), followed by those aged 35 to 44. All other age groups each comprised 12% to 14% of responses. 80.37% of respondents stated they are insured.

According to the CDC, last flu season there were 369,307 cases of the flu in the US, and each year on average 200,000 people are hospitalized from season flu-related complications. 2013-2014 vaccine coverage for adults over 18 was 50.13% for iTriage users, compared to 42.2% for the general public as reported by the CDC, suggesting that iTriage users have more awareness and take more preventive steps to manage their health than the general public reported by the CDC.​

We thought we'd share some important facts and tips about the flu vaccine:

1. What does the flu vaccine protect against?

Traditional flu vaccines protect against the three influenza viruses that research indicates are the most common during the upcoming season.

2. How is the flu vaccine developed in the US?

Based on surveillance-based predictions, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends which flu strains should be included in the seasonal flu vaccine. The FDA then makes the final decision. The strains are chosen based on how likely they are to cause illness in the coming season.

3. What are the different kinds of flu vaccine available?

People receive the flu vaccine in a shot or through a mist that is inhaled through the nose. Most people receive the shot. There are two kinds of shot: high-dose and regular-dose. The high-dose is meant for people over the age of 65. The nasal spray is recommended for children ages 2 through 8. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about which vaccine is right for you. For more about the differences between vaccines, visit the CDC's website.

4. Do the flu strains in the vaccine always match the circulating strains?

It varies from year to year; however, it generally reduces the risk of flu illness by 60% in the overall population. How well the flu vaccine works each year depends on how well "matched" the viruses in the vaccine are to the flu viruses circulating that year.

5. Will the flu shot give me the flu?

No. You cannot get the flu from a flu shot! Flu vaccines are made with viruses that have been inactivated, or are not living, and thus are NOT infectious.

While the nasal spray contains a weakened version of the live virus, studies have shown that it does notcause the flu.

6. I got a flu shot once and got sick. How did this happen?

After getting the flu shot it takes about two weeks for the body to develop antibodies to provide protection against the virus, which is why its important to get vaccinated early in the season. It's true, even if you get a flu vaccine, you can still get the flu. But the flu vaccine will make your symptoms much less severe. Remember to continue hand washing throughout the winter.

7. Who should get the flu shot or nasal spray vaccine?

According to the CDC, everyone 6 months and older should get the flu vaccine every year with rare exception.  The CDC recommends that people get vaccinated soon after the vaccine becomes available, in October. While it's best to get the flu vaccine before flu season starts (October), people can benefit from getting the vaccine throughout flu season. If you have concerns about the flu shot, talk to your doctor.

To learn more about the flu shot and nasal spray vaccine, visit the CDC's article on the subject.

8. I never get sick. Why should I care?

Not only will the flu vaccine protect you, it will protect people around you. When more people get vaccinated against the flu, less flu can spread through the community. Protecting yourself from flu also protects people around you, including those who are unable to get the flu shot, who are more vulnerable to serious flu illness! By getting the flu shot, you will help protect children, the elderly, and people with weak immune systems, such as people going through chemotherapy.

9. How does the flu spread?

People with the flu can spread it to others who are up to six feet away, mainly through coughing, sneezing, and talking. You can infect people from 1 day before you develop symptoms up to 7 days after you become sick.

10. How much does the flu shot cost?

If you have insurance, your flu shot will be FREE. If you don't have insurance, flu shots are affordable. Some places offer flu shots for as low as $15.

11. Where can I get the flu shot?

You can get the flu shot at your doctor's office, a retail clinic, or a pharmacy (like CVS and Walgreens). Many employers offer their workers free flu shots. Your county health department may also offer free flu shots.

The take away?

An annual seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to reduce the chances that you will get seasonal flu and spread it to others.The earlier you get the flu vaccine, the better. Flu season is just around the corner, get vaccinated now before you come into contact with the flu. For more information on the flu and the flu vaccine, visit the CDC's website. Use iTriage to schedule an appointment with a PCP (primary care provider) or find a retail clinic or pharmacy near you. Sent from iTriage. Affordable, accessible healthcare information for everyone. Click here to download iTriage for the iPhone and Android or find us in the iTunes App Store or Google Play. For other smart phones or home use visit us online at iTriageHealth

Guy Perea Presidential Elector President of The United States