What is the flu (Influenza)?
A disease of the lungs that can lead to pneumonia. An infection that causes fever, chills, cough, body ache, headaches, fatigue, earaches at times. The flu has specific strains (bacteria spread around) that may be the cause of people getting ill in the fall seasons.

What is pneumonia?
A serious health condition of the lungs that is filled with fluids making it very hard for oxygen in the lungs reach the blood stream, this condition is caused by viruses or bacteria. This illness can lead to death.

What viruses does the flu shot treat / prevent ?
H1N1 virus, Influenza A, Influenza B.

What does the flu shot not treat?
The common cold, respiratory illness, or other symptoms that may feel like the flu but is not.

Why do people get sick after getting the flu shot?
People at times get sick after receiving the flu shot because the strain you got was not included in the flu vaccine but that does not mean you are not protected from the flu. Also people may be exposed to an influenza virus shortly before getting vaccinated or during the two-week period that it takes the body to gain protection after getting vaccinated. This exposure may result in a person becoming ill with flu before the vaccine begins to protect them.

Why does my arm hurt after a flu shot?
Well the flu shot is given intramuscular meaning given in the muscle so you might be feeling a little sore but that will go away in about 2 days.

Why can't you get a flu shot if you are allergic to eggs?
The flu shot contains some egg components so if you are allergic to egg I would not recommend to get the flu shot but you can always see your primary doctor to think of an alternative.


NOTE: This year's flu shot is different because now the flu shot protects us from the H1N1 virus. So you do not have to get 2 different shots it just comes in 1 shot (good news huh). It also comes in a spray mist (in the nostrils).

FACT: The flu shot reduces heart attacks by 19%
For more information visit www.flu.gov