United Supermarkets Pharmacies encourage you to know the facts about the flu and to get vaccinated. You may have reservations about receiving the flu shot, so the following information is intended to dispel any hesitations and answer any questions that you may have concerning this vaccination. Influenza infection often causes a more severe illness than other viral respiratory infections, such as the common cold, and can lead to hospitalization and even death due to complications. Currently, the flu is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Resulting symptoms vary in different individuals but may include headache, chills, dry cough, body aches, fever, nasal congestion and sore throat.
Most people recover completely from the flu in one to two weeks.
In the United States, the flu vaccine is made from killed influenza viruses. Because the virus is continually changing, the vaccine is updated each year to include the most current strains of the virus. This is why it is important to receive the vaccine each year. Receiving the vaccine one season will not protect you from the flu the next season. Once you have received a flu shot, your body will create antibodies to fight the virus if exposed to it.