Get a flu shot now – for your benefit and your neighbors'

(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.)

Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert, Columbia University Medical Center

(THE CONVERSATION) If you do nothing else, get a flu shot.

The best time to get a flu shot by the end of October, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises. Considering the severity of last year's flu, it is especially important for everyone over six months to be vaccinated. This includes pregnant women.

Last year's flu killed 80,000 people, the CDC reported, making it the most lethal flu epidemic in decades. Also, about 710,000 people were hospitalized because of it.

As of Oct. 6, 2018, 183 of these deaths were in children, the CDC reported. Additionally, there has already been one pediatric death this current flu season. And 80 percent of those children who died last year along with the recent pediatric death had not been vaccinated.

You play an important role in the spread of flu, not just to yourself but to others. As a doctor and a public health professional, I'll explain why.

Protecting yourself, other

The influenza vaccine has been shown to be one of the most important preventive measures against flu. The effectiveness of the vaccine can be estimated at 40 percent – this still means that the flu vaccine is reduced to 40 percent. Considering the seriousness of the illness, however, you need all the protection you can get.

And the vaccine reduces the severity and potential complications of your illness. A large study published in 2017 of patients who were hospitalized during the 2013-2014 period was estimated to be 52 to 79 percent less likely to die than unvaccinated patients. Put another way, a hospitalized flu patient who was unvaccinated.

Almost everyone can receive the flu vaccine. Exceptions include those who have serious reactions to the flu vaccine, like anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction.

Some people get hives from eggs, but this is not a serious reaction. If you are one of these people, it is still OK for you to get a shot from standard providers. Even those who have a serious egg allergy can get the flu vaccine in a medical setting.

Getting the vaccine is not good for you. About 70 percent of the population needs to receive immunization
"That happens when a critical portion of a community is immunized against a contagious disease.

When it occurs, most members of the community, who are not vaccinated, are protected against this disease. Even those who are not eligible for certain vaccines get some protection because of the spread of contagious disease is contained. This can effectively stop the spread of disease in the community.

You might even consider getting vaccinated to be a civic duty.

Other things to know

While the vaccine has been shown to be one of the most important preventive measures against the flu, you can do other things, too. Wash your hands. If you want to cover your mouth or nose with your sleeve, not your hands. Avoid those who are ill. Stay home if you are sick.

Antiviral medication can help you feel better if you contract it, but it must be started early in your illness, so call your health provider when symptoms begin.

A new, higher-dose vaccine is available for the elderly. If you are 65 or older, ask your doctor about this. About 54 to 70 percent of hospitalizations for flu occur among people 65 and older. No matter which formulation you receive, it is essential to be vaccinated. Do not miss the opportunity to do so.

Remember that getting the vaccine will not give you the flu. That is because vaccines today are made with killed viruses. A killed virus can not infect anybody. If you hear someone say that they came back with symptoms after receiving the vaccine, they might have been vaccinated.

Even if you do not get to your doctor or the end of October, you should still get the flu vaccine. While the best immunity is conferred, you will be protected.

And remember, even if it's not a perfect match, it can protect you and your loved ones from getting potentially life-threatening, yet preventable, disease.

Good advice: Stay home if you have the flu. Better advice: Get the flu vaccine!

Editor's note: This is an updated version of an article that was originally published Oct. 23, 2016.

This article is republished from the Creative Commons license. Read the original article here: http://theconversation.com/get-a-flu-shot-now-for-your-benefit-and-your-neighbors-105340.

Copyright © 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.