Receiving your flu shot is highly recommended by doctors

An expert states that flu vaccine is now available and everyone should receive it. “Contrary to some beliefs, getting the flu shot in September is a good thing and will offer protection for the entirety of the flu season,” said Dr. Stephen Russell, an associated professor in the general internal medicine division at the University of Alabama, situated in Birmingham and a lead physician at the UAB Medicine Moody Clinic.

He states that receiving the flu shot annually is crucial because the shot from the previous year will not protect against flu this year. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there`s a shot shielding against four strains of the flu bug. Dr. Russell encourages people who don`t like needles to opt for other methods of getting the flu shot. He recommends a nasal spray that fights against the flu virus but it`s not recommended for patients with asthma, other respiratory issues or diabetes. He attracts attention on the fact that flu virus could lead to hospitalization or even death, if left untreated.

Therefore, getting the vaccine is vital, especially for patients older than 65 years, pregnant women and people with chronic lung disease, diabetes or asthma. “Many people will say they don`t need the vaccine, as they have never had the flu before, but that is like saying you don`t need to wear your seatbelt because you have never had a wreck”, Russell said. “You may have been fine in the past, but that should not offer security or protection for future exposures to the flu”.