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Health & Fitness

Everything You Should Know About Flu Shots

MediNurse talks about Flu Shots

The flu virus is highly contagious so every year you need to arm yourself by getting vaccinated. The flu vaccine can protect you from influenza and may also prevent spreading influenza to others. MediNurse offers the flu vaccine at MediEquip located on Manchester Road in Des Peres and in South County on South Lindbergh.  

There are two types of influenza vaccines, the inactivated (killed) vaccine, known as the “flu shot,” and the live (weakened) influenza vaccine, which is sprayed into the nostrils. MediNurse offers the inactivated vaccine. Because the viruses have been killed, they cannot cause infection. Scientists make a different flu vaccine every year because the strains of influenza viruses change from year to year. Sometimes a new strain appears after the vaccine has been made and distributed to doctors’ offices and clinics. As a result, you still may get infected even if you get a flu shot.

It takes up to 2 weeks for protection to develop after the shot and protection lasts about a year. People 6 months of age and older should get vaccinated. MediNurse offers flu vaccinations to children 9 and older. It is especially important for people at higher risk of severe influenza to get vaccinated. People 65 and older, pregnant women, and people with severe asthma, diabetes, and chronic lung disease are all at higher risk for influenza. Persons who have ever had Guillain-Barre Syndrome, severe allergies to eggs, or have recently been ill should consult their doctor before getting the flu vaccine.

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Some patients may experience mild side effects such as soreness, redness or swelling where the shot was given 1-2 days after. Occasional fever, aches and fatigue are also common. Serious problems from the inactivated vaccine are very rare.  If serious side effects persist, contact your medical provider right away.

For more information, locations to get the flu shot and to schedule an appointment to get vaccinated visit www.medinurse.com or call 314-781-2800.

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