The Truth About Flu Shots DC

By Mattie Knight


The population of the nation's capital is approximately 660,000. The population density is around 10,000 per square mile. It does not take a genius to work out that a city of these size with that many people could be brought to its knees in a large-scale epidemic of influenza. Not only that, but who wants to look at a president on television with red eyes and a runny nose. We expect more from the leader of the free world. This is why there is a need for flu shots DC.

Estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that between 3,000 and 49,000 individuals die each year from influenza. Countless others are left with chronic lung conditions. Complications of influenza may include asthma or a secondary infection caused by either viruses or bacteria.

Because influenza is caused by a virus, it cannot be controlled by antibiotics or other types of drug. It can, however, be contained by immunization. People who get the jab every year either do not experience the disease or, if they do get it, it is much less serious than if they had not been immunized. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that people at risk get immunized every year.

Rare is the individual over the age of six months that is not recommended to have an annual vaccination. People who are particularly at high risk are those over the age of 65, pregnant women, children under five years old (especially those under two), and people who live in nursing homes. American Indians and natives of Alaska also seem to be at higher risk for complications of influenza.

Influenza vaccinations are also recommended for people who have certain medical conditions. These are people with chronic lung problems such as cystic fibrosis, asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Also, anyone with a compromised immune system or disorders of the liver or kidney fall into this category. Kids who are not yet 19 years old but who have been taking long-term aspirin should also receive the jab, as should anyone with a Body Mass Index (BMI) that is higher than 40.

Typically, any high-profile health issue will be accompanied by an assort of myths and legends. Influenza is no exception. Some people are of the belief that women who are expecting a baby require special permission from their regular physician if they decide to get their vaccination at a workplace clinic, pharmacy or elsewhere. This is not true.

Another widely held belief is that the influenza vaccination actually causes the disease. This is quite impossible. Either the injection contains no virus whatsoever, or what virus it does contain has been inactivated. Sometimes people get side effects from the jab, for instance, headache, muscular aches or a low fever. Usually, people will feel a little sensitive around the injection site for a day or two.

Influenza is a serious disorder of the respiratory system and should be taken seriously by everyone. People whose symptoms are limited to nausea, vomiting and diarrhea do not have influenza, although these symptoms may, indeed, accompany a case of flu.




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