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Daily Voice asked Dr. Debbie Mogelof, medical director of Westport Urgent Care, for five reasons to get a flu shot.
1) It's already flu season. "It’s advisable to get it as soon as possible," Mogelof said. But "as long as we are still seeing flu cases, we continue to offer the vaccine. It’s better to get the shot late than never!"
2) The flu season will only get worse before it gets better. "Flu season usually peaks in January and sometimes later," she said. Act now — before it's too late. "It takes two weeks to develop immunity once you’ve been vaccinated," Mogelof said.
3) A few cases of flu have already been reported — but the vaccine appears to be effective. "Last year it was only about 19 percent effective, mostly because the strain mutated," she said. "This year, they believe it’s much more effective. I have not seen any cases yet this year in anyone who has received the shot."
4) Getting a flu shot needs to be annual ritual. "Each year the flu shot is different based on a prediction of what the strain will be, as it changes from year to year," Mogelof said.
5) If you get the flu, "it can take several days to over a week to feel completely recovered," she said. "Also, people are at risk for developing superimposed infections, such as pneumonia. ... Each year, the flu does cause several deaths in the U.S."
She also offered five tips for avoiding the flu:
- Get a flu shot;
- Wash hands with soap and warm water for at least 15 seconds;
- Avoid close contact with others and crowded spaces;
- Cover hands and mouths when coughing and sneezing; and
- Eat healthy, get enough sleep and exercise moderately.
Worried about the effects of the flu shot? Mogelof warns that the flu is far worse — and that you can't get the flu from the vaccine.
The side effects can include redness or swelling at the site of the shot, low grade fever, and aches, she said.
But symptoms of the flu last several days and can include:
- High fever (over 101);
- Chills and sweats;
- Dry, hacking cough;
- Nasal congestion and sore throat; and
- Nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea.
Dr. Debbie Mogelof is medical director at Westport Urgent Care, 1045 Post Road E.
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