Flu Vaccinations
What is the flu?
The flu is an infection caused by the influenza virus. It can cause some people to feel really sick. Some people even die from the flu. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu shot each year.
How will I feel if I catch the flu?
If you catch the flu, you might have some or all of these symptoms:
- Fever
- Chills and shakes
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Tiredness
- Vomiting and diarrhea
How do you catch the flu?
The flu is usually spread by droplets that travel in the air after people cough, sneeze or talk. You could also get the flu by touching something that has the flu virus on it and then touching your own mouth, eyes or nose.
What’s the big deal about getting the flu?
The big deal is that it can make you really, really sick.
The flu can cause pneumonia (a serious lung infection), ear infections and dehydration. People with CHD have a higher risk of getting sick with the flu. They are also more likely to have heart rhythm problems and heart failure if they get the flu.
How can I protect myself from getting the flu?
We have an easy answer for this: Get a flu shot each year.
You can get a flu shot from your local doctor or medical clinic. The flu shot helps your body build up its immune response to the flu. This means that if you are exposed to the flu virus, your body will be better prepared to fight it.
The flu season varies from year to year. To be safe, arrange your flu vaccine at the start of the flu season in September.
There is also a pneumonia vaccine that protects against chest infections. You should get this every 5 years.