Flu Shot Season is Back!

It’s September; the month that literally falls between two seasons with its mild climate, gradual scenery changes and very special days.  First we had Labor Day which marks the official end of the summer, then Patriot Day which is held in memory of those who died during the terrorist attacks in the US and then, on a much lighter note, we have the High Holidays and the Jewish New Year of 5773 (September 17^th) which is a time for introspection and for planning positive changes for the months to come.



So why not take this time to plan ahead for your health. If you have been away or been lazy and indulgent over the hot summer months now is the time to renew your exercise regime, take long walks, eat wholesome foods and,  most importantly, give your immune system a healthy boost against the flu and cold viruses.  Our doctors and nurses have already started to give the flu vaccine to patients to protect them for the entire season. The flu vaccine is now recommended for everyone from 6 months of age onwards.  The more you protect yourself, the more you protect your family and your community.

The most common questions I am asked are:


Why do I need to get the flu vaccine every year?

Because it protects against the prevailing strains of flu in that particular season and because  everyone’s immune system declines over time and needs a boost.


Why do I get the flu after getting the flu vaccine?

The flu vaccine does not give a person the flu. It is an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus) and will take some time to take effect. If you get the flu it is because the virus was already germinating in your system. It is recommended that you do not take the vaccine if you are feeling unwell and in our office we take your temperature and ask and answer all your questions before we give the flu shot.

And to know more about the Flu Vaccine,  the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention offer more advice that you can find on their website :

http://www.cdc.gov/features/Flu/index.html?s_cid=fb1780

And you can print out the information from here:

http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/downloads/vis-flu.pdf

Have a Happy and Healthy September!