Flu shots will be offered wednesday

Randy Brown, MD

CHS Liberty Corner Health & Diagnostic Center

Q. Should I get a flu shot?
A. There are many benefits for people to consider getting their flu vaccine. Some of the statistics providing by the Centers for Disease Control show us that annually more than 36,000 people in the United States die because of the flu – most are 65 or older. More people die from flu than from any other vaccine-preventable disease. The vaccine can also help prevent severe illnesses. Each year about 200,000 people in the U.S. are hospitalized during flu season. Children younger than two years old are as likely to be hospitalized as adults who are 65 or older. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself against the flu.

Q. If I get a flu shot, is there a chance that the vaccine will give me the flu?
A. The flu shot can not cause the flu and any serious problems caused by the flu shot are extremely rare, with the risk of an allergic reaction at less than one in four million. While you may experience some soreness or redness near the area where you received the shot, it typically will go away in a day or two.

Q. Last year I got a flu shot but I still got the flu, does the flu shot work?
A. In most cases the flu shot successfully prevents the flu. Studies have shown that the effectiveness of the flu shot ranges from 70 to 90 percent, so getting the vaccine is still your best protection against the disease.

Q. Isn’t the flu vaccine only for older people?
A. The flu shot isn’t just for the older population. Adults and children with conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease definitely need to get a flu shot.

Q. Where can I go to get a flu shot locally?
A. CHS Liberty Corner Health and Diagnostic Center in Muncie is offering flu shots to anyone, 1 – 4 p.m., this Thursday, December 21. For more information, call (765) 284-7277.

Randy Brown is a physician with CHS Liberty Corner Health & Diagnostic Center. If you have a question, call (765) 284-7277 or send an email to info@chsmail.org.

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