It’s that time of year again, influenza season.
Influenza (often called the flu) is an infection of the respiratory system (nose, throat and lungs). Influenza is caused by a virus. Most people who have influenza can get better on their own, but the flu may cause serious complications for some groups of people.
The flu may cause a cough, fever, and infection in the lungs. Symptoms may include sore throat, headache, chills, body aches and fatigue. Flu may also cause stress on your other body systems (heart and brain).
I would recommend getting a flu shot for multiple reasons:
- First, the flu vaccine can reduce your risk of getting the flu. If you’re vaccinated and still contract influenza, it’s likely your symptoms will be milder.
- Second, getting vaccinated can help protect those who are more vulnerable to flu complications (young children, elderly, those with chronic medical conditions).
- Third, flu vaccinations are associated with lower rates of flu-related hospitalization and death.
- Fourth, by avoiding the flu, you can lessen missed work or school days and avoid the medical costs associated with treating the flu.
You might ask if the vaccine can give you the flu or other diseases. The answer is no, the vaccine cannot give you the flu. Some people might have aches and a fever for a day or two after receiving the vaccine. This is a good thing! This is your body’s production of protective antibodies.
Overall, it takes about two weeks for the flu shot to have the full effect, so if you are exposed to influenza before or during that time period, you might still get the flu.
Help yourself out by getting your flu shot. Schedule a time or walk in during our flu vaccination clinic hours. To schedule, call 507.457.7648. Please visit winonahealth.org/flu for information including dates and times.
Jennifer Forsyth, DO, Winona Health
English 
Español 
Hmong