“Not Because we Have to, Because we Want to!” – Help protect our Community – Get your Flu Shot Too!

Forest County Potawatomi Community Health Department receives the flu vaccine to help protect the Community.  We strongly encourage the entire Community to get their flu shot as well.  It is ideal to get your flu shot prior to flu season, getting your flu shot today can protect you from the flu this season.

Need some convincing? Everyone has their own opinions about the flu vaccine; however some of them are not based on facts. Let’s take a look at some of the common flu myths and learn the facts.

MYTH: The flu isn’t a serious disease.

• Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Each year about 200,000 people in the U.S. are hospitalized because of the flu and some even die as a result of it. Most who die are 65 years and older. But small children less than 2 years old are as likely as those over 65 to have to go to the hospital because of the flu.

MYTH: The flu vaccine can cause the flu.

• The flu vaccine cannot cause the flu. The vaccine is made with viruses that have been inactivated or weakened and are therefore not infectious. Some people get a little soreness or redness where they get the shot. It goes away in a day or two. Serious problems from the flu shot are very rare.

MYTH: The flu vaccine does not work.

• Most of the time the flu vaccine will prevent the flu. In scientific studies, the effectiveness of the flu vaccine has ranged from 70% to 90%, when there is a good match between circulating viruses and those in the vaccine. Getting the vaccine is your best protection against the flu.

MYTH: The side effects of the flu vaccine are worse than the flu.

• The worst side effect you are likely to get from a flu shot is a sore arm. The risk of a severe allergic reaction is less than 1 in 4 million.

MYTH: Only older people need a flu vaccine.

• Everyone needs the flu vaccine. However certain people are at higher risk for flu complications. Adults and children with conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease need the flu shot. It is also recommended that all pregnant women receive the flu vaccine. Getting your flu shot prevents you from spreading the flu to others who are at high risk for the flu, but are unable to get the vaccine; such as babies younger than six months or individuals with certain medical conditions or allergies to the vaccine.

The flu vaccine is the best protection against the flu. You can also take other precautions to prevent the spread of the flu such as washing your hands regularly, covering your cough with the crook of your elbow and staying at home if you are sick.

If you are interested in getting the flu vaccine, there are many options for you. You can schedule a flu shot during a visit with your provider or schedule an office or home visit with a Community Health Nurse. We will work with you to make sure that you get your flu vaccine. Feel free to call Community Health at 715-478-4355 if you have any questions or visit https://www.ihs.gov/forpatients/healthtopics/influenza/aianflu/ or http://www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm .