ADVICE RATING |
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Influenza Flu Shot |
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by allyp  (December 2006) (rank 6th) |
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It's about that time of the year again where your family should get their flu shots. Flu season is normally from November-March. If this is your babies first set of the flu shots then he/she will have to get a second set one month later. Here where I live if
you have a baby under 23 months old you get the flu shot for free for your entire family. (you might want to check in on that at your local health centre)
If you are wondering what is influenza it is an infection of the respiratory tract which includes the nose, throat and lungs that is caused by a virus. It is easily to spread from person to person through sneezing and coughing (so make sure to wash your hands at all times) Influenza can often be mistakened by having the stomach flu or by having a cold.
Some of the symptoms of influenza include feeling tired, weak, may have a fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, cough, sore throat, runny nose and lose of appetite. Childern may have nausea, vomiting and diarrhea and sometimes a middle ear infection. Complications such as pneumonia and even death are more common in younger childern, people who have health problems and the elderly.
After getting this vaccine there might be some side effects, which they do occur but are mild and only last for a day or two.
you might have mild pain and/or swelling where the needle was given
you might be irritable and/or fatigued
you might have a mild fever, muscel aches and pains
For the pain you can either place a damp towel on the area or take Tylenol or Tempra (which they also help with fever)
We have already had our flu shots and these did happen to me(expecially the sore arm where the needle was given) and my daughter was very tired and wanted to be held most of the day(so please expect that, they might be a little clingly)
Happy Flu Shots everyone!!
