Influenza, commonly known as the “flu,” is an extremely contagious respiratory illness caused

by influenza A or B viruses. The flu virus attacks the body by spreading through the upper and/or lower respiratory tract. It is important to boost your immune system and protect yourself over the flu season to ensure risks are minimized. The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones against influenza (flu) is to get a flu vaccine every flu season

Vaccination against influenza strain protects employees by providing a layer of protection to their immune systems. Employees are counselled on the importance of being vaccinated, the indications and contra indications. Careful monitoring for adverse effects is conducted post vaccination as per clinical protocol

What are some key reasons to get a flu vaccine?

  • Every year, flu vaccination prevents illnesses, medical visits, hospitalizations, and deaths.
  • Flu vaccination also is an important preventive tool for people with chronic health
    For example, flu vaccination has been associated with lower rates of some
    cardiac events among in people with heart disease.
  • Vaccinating pregnant women helps protect them from flu illness and hospitalization, and has
    been shown to help protect the baby from flu infection for several months after birth,
    before the baby can be vaccinated.
  • While some people who get vaccinated still get sick, flu vaccination has been shown in
    several studies to reduce severity of illness.

Why is it important to get a flu vaccine EVERY year?

  • Flu viruses are constantly changing, so flu vaccines may be updated from one season to the next to protect against the viruses that research suggests will be common during the upcoming flu season.
  • Your protection from a flu vaccine declines over time. Yearly vaccination is needed for the best protection.

Is the flu vaccine safe?

Flu vaccines have a good safety record. Extensive research supports the safety of seasonal flu vaccines. A flu vaccine is the first and best way to reduce your chances of getting the flu and spreading it to others. CDC recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older receive a flu vaccine every year.

What are the side effects of flu vaccines?

Flu shots: Flu shots are made using killed flu viruses (for inactivated vaccines), or without flu virus at all (for the recombinant vaccine). So, you cannot get flu from a flu shot

Common side effects from the flu shot include:

  • Soreness, redness, and/or swelling from the shot
  • Headache
  • Fever
  • Nausea
  • Muscle aches

If these problems occur, they are usually mild and go away on their own, but serious reactions are also possible. Almost all people who receive flu vaccine have no serious problems from it.

Where to get vaccinated?

Get your flu vaccine now at Afrocentric Wellness Clinic in Block – B