Asher Ricard

Can I Get The Flu From The Flu Vaccine?



Posted: Monday, October 12, 2009

by

For years people have used the excuse that the flu vaccine just gives them the flu anyway and should not be taken.

"The flu shot just gives me the flu or it makes me sick, so I am better off without it and taking my chances!"

That is the excuse millions of people give each year when it comes to deciding if they should get a flu shot. The truth is that is just a medical myth created from a misunderstanding.

Flu vaccines are created from the flu virus, but it is not like some sci-fi movie where doctors are plotting to inject you with the whole virus in an effort to sneak and wipe out your defenses.

The vaccine you receive is actually a dead virus. That means the part of the virus that can infect you and make you sick is turned off, but the part of the virus that stimulates your body to create antibodies is still on.

Unless you live in a bubble, you have no excuses for not getting the flu vaccine. The only excuse you could possibly have is that you are allergic to eggs, because the vaccine has eggs in it.

Even if you do get the vaccine, chances are you still could get the flu. Be sure to take the following precautions.

Wash your hands. You can never wash your hands too much during flu season. Any time you touch anything, use Purell or make sure you wash your hands.

Lysol everything. Be sure to use Clorox wipes and wipe your entire house, school or office. Be sure to wipe the door knobs, walls, anything you come in contact with, etc.

Stay away from the sick. Do everything you can to stay away from pharmacies, doctor offices and hospitals. If someone is sick that you know, offer well wishes and then avoid like the plague.

Do not eat or drink after anyone.

These are just a few suggestions. The flu vaccine is really your most effective defense against the flu. Get the shot. Stop using excuses. In the end, it is well worth it!
This Article has been viewed 291 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
Top-level comments on this article: (2 total)
» left by Rebecca from St. Pete FL 2 years 101 days ago.
I just read online last night that the vaccine mist they are currently administering is a "live" virus and can be spread called "shedding." This report was written by a highly skilled medical doctor who expressed concerns for the H1N1 vaccine now being given. If a child has a runny nose and touches something in the house another family member can be exposed to this virus who didn't take the vaccine. The swine flu could in fact be spread by the vaccine.
» left by Ben Morrish 2 years 101 days ago.
49 fans.
The flu vaccine containing the live virus doesn't contain the full flu virus it is designed to protect against, it contains an attenuated version.
 
It is therefore only the attenuated version that can potentially be spread by the vaccine, and that version isn't dangerous to most people, and certainly is nothing like as dangerous as the real, non-attenuated version.
» left by Josh Matnik
 2 years 89 days ago.
2 fans.
Great Article as I have also heard many question this. They also talk of how fast they had to make this vaccine and it is true they had to rush but they do this every year as with all Viruses they change and thus we have to adapt as they do and protect against it.
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