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NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Friday, August 29, 2008
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NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Friday, August 29, 2008
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Pharmacy and Medications |
Flu shot needed?10/28/2003 12:52PM |
Ought I have a flu shot? I am male, 51, work with the public, have not had flu since I was a child, take Asacol to keep my ulcerative colitis quiet, and do not want to get inoculated needlessly. Are there any likely drawbacks?
The influenza vaccine contains a noninfectious, killed virus that can not cause influenza. Vaccination is generally recommended for people who are at high risk of complications from influenza. The CDC recommends vaccination for people between the ages of 50 and 64 since they have a higher risk from different medical conditions that make them more likely to get the flu and have complications from it. These high-risk conditions include being a nursing home resident, or having a history of respiratory and/or cardiovascular disorder. In addition, people who have a weakened immune system, have a chronic disorder like diabetes, renal problems, or HIV infection are at increased risk. A person with a healthy immune system has a lower risk of getting the flu. Even in the absence of any high-risk conditions though, this age group may also receive benefit from vaccination by decreasing medical visits, the need for medication and the number of work absences. Individuals who work with the public may transmit the virus to others, including those at high-risk for the flu. The most common side effect of receiving the vaccination is soreness and swelling at the injection site. Fever, weakness, and muscle pain are also fairly common after vaccination, especially in patients receiving the vaccination for the first time. These symptoms typically occur within 6-12 hours and can persist for 1-2 days. Allergic reactions have also occurred and patients with a known egg allergy probably should not receive the vaccination because it contains an egg protein. I recommend that you discuss these issues with your physician to determine if the flu shot is something that would be recommended in your situation.
Submitted by Jeff Heiny, PharmD candidate, University of Cincinnati
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Jan Scaglione, BS MT, PharmD ,DABAT Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice Drug and Poison Information Center Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center University of Cincinnati |
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