It’s not too late. The shot takes two weeks to start working, so those who got immunized early were wise to do so. But you can still play catch-up–flu season runs until May. Vaccine stores aren’t totally depleted yet, so call your doctor or county health department today and be persistent. Remember, if you do get sick, there’s still hope–antiviral drugs given in the first few days can quell symptoms.
Even if you’re not at risk, you should still get vaccinated. The flu can be fatal for children, seniors and the immuno-suppressed. But that doesn’t mean you should skip the shot if you’re not in those groups–it could keep you from spreading the disease to someone who is. Unless you’ve reacted to flu shots badly before or you’re allergic to eggs (they’re used in making the vaccine), you’ve got no excuse. And an egg-free vaccine may be ready by 2007.
Kids come first. If your whole family needs the shot, let children go first. Kids under 9 who are new to the shot need two doses one month apart. And if your child has fever, aches and chills, get him or her to the doctor pronto for diagnosis.
The vaccine isn’t perfect, but it won’t hurt you. You can still catch the flu even if you get the shot–it doesn’t ward off all strains–but you’re much less likely to get sick. And there’s no way the shot can make you ill. The worst side effect is a sore arm. If that vexes you, there’s FluMist nasal spray. Docs encourage people between 5 and 49 to choose FluMist, saving the shots for kids and the elderly (who can’t take the spray). With almost 4 million doses left, it’s easy to get. Then again, so was the shot until this month, so you’d best hurry.
