The availability of flu shots at your pharmacy means they are simple to get and you do not need to go to your doctor, get a prescription to be filled at your pharmacy, and then return to your doctor to have the shot.
The influenza virus affects the respiratory tract and is usually worsen in the winter months but it is one which can be avoided through immunisation. However, one must consider that this infection varies in severity and may also result in hospitalisation.
The virus usually resolves itself on its own and only lasts a few days with the main symptoms being tiredness, fever, chills, headache, cough, sneezing and runny nose, and muscle aches.
However, the flu can be life-threatening for some people. The elderly people with poor immune systems and those with pre-existing respiratory, heart conditions or diabetes are recommended to have an influenza vaccination. These vaccines help prevent infection.
There exist in nature several strains of influenza. As a result different strains of influenza virus emerge each year, it is important to renew your vaccination annually to ensure you are protected against the latest strain of the virus.
Like all medicines, there can be mild side effects with influenza vaccines such as soreness, redness, pain and swelling at the injection site, drowsiness, tiredness, muscle aches and low-grade temperature (fever).