Ask a Health Professiona Each week health professionals give their educated opinions on relatable health questions. We believe that knowledge is power! Paul Farley PharmI Pharmacist & Owner M-F: 9a-6p Sat: 9a-1p 960 Frontage Road | Peshtigo, W Ouestion: Should I really get a flu shot? Every year as fall season flu, it also helps prevent the spread of the gets into l swing, virus to others. This is especially important a familiar debate can in settings such as schools, hospitals, and be heard in clinics and nursing homes, where the virus can easily pharmacies across the be spread to many people. Vaccination nation--do I really need to does not completely eliminate the chance of get a flu shot? The answer to that question getting the flu, but it will greatly reduce the is a personal choice for any patient, but in risk and even the severity of the infection. most cases, receiving the vaccination is a Those who are vaccinated are less likely to A: good idea be hospitalized due to the virus as well Influenza, commonly referred to as "the Getting vaccinated for influenza is often a flu, is an airborne viral infection of the good financial decision. The cost of getting respiratory system. It is highly contagious the vaccine is minimal and is often fully and can be most easily spread up until covered by insurance. Now think of t almost a week after symptoms appear. money spent in treating an actual case of Symptoms of the flu include fever, chills, the flu--doctor visit, medication to treat muscle aches, and fatigue, as well as symptoms, and lost pay due to missed respiratory symptoms such as head work. That can really add up f sure or stuffiness and a sore throat. The It is important to clear up a common ptoms generally last for 1 or 2 weeks. misconception about the flu shot....you es Many people can develop serious cannot get the flu from the flu shot! The complications from the flu including shot is not a live-virus vaccination; it cannot pneumonia. Those most likely to experience replicate in your system. NOW is a great complications include the elderly, pregnant time to get yourflu shot and be protected for women, people with chronic health the upcoming flu season. Flu season peaks conditions, and obese patients. Even from late December through February, but though these groups are at the highest risk, it can continue athe way into May. If you vaccination is still recommended for most would like to protect yourself and those people because of the highly contagious around you from the flu, feel free to stop by nature of the virus. Getting vaccinated not Hometown Pharmacy in Peshtigo to find only prevents a person from getting the out if the flu shot is right for you.