Everyone over six months old should get the flu vaccine, unless you have a severe egg allergy. Expect mild reactions, but you cannot catch the flu from the vaccine.
It takes a few weeks for your body to build antIbodies, so if you're exposed to influenza you may get symptoms. But the flu vaccine contains dead virus and a dead virus is dead. It can't infect you. The flu mist vaccine does contain live virus but it's been genetically engineered to remove the parts that make you sick.
There is a reason there's a vaccine for influenza. The disease kills 36,000 people a year. Just because you're healthy doesn't mean you can't get sick. Another reason healthy people should get the shot is to avoid spreading it to young and old people who are more vulnerable to serious complications.
Another myth is the vaccine is dangerous. Flu vaccines have a very good safety record but some may be concerned about the ingredient thimerosol. If that's your worry, ask for a thimerosol free vaccine.
Antibiotics will not help you battle the flu. They treat bacterial infections. Influenza is a virus.
The word flu is overused and often describes a variety of common winter illnesses. Influenza is specific and that's the only thing the vaccine will protect you against. Wash your hands routinely and stay away from sick people if you want to avoid all the other germs you're going to be exposed to this season.
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