The top excuses for avoiding flu vaccination
As the weather is starting to become a tad chillier, the fall tends to produce another season more geared toward public health.
As the weather is starting to become a tad chillier, the fall tends to produce another season more geared toward public health. Flu season is upon us, and according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, seasonal flu can arrive as early as October, generally lasting until the spring. In addition to popular medications, flu vaccination is a beneficial answer to fighting off symptoms. But many people continue to avoid getting their flu shot for a variety of misconceived reasons. Here are the most frequent excuses for not receiving a flu vaccination, as well as why they're usually unwarranted:
Myth: I'm completely healthy so I don't need vaccination
The flu can strike even the most healthy of individuals at any point in time. The HHS reports that 5 to 20 percent of Americans suffer from the flu every year, and because of how contagious it is, everyone is deemed a target for the illness. While over the counter medications can protect you from symptoms after you've been diagnosed, getting a flu vaccination is still considered the best protection available against the flu.
Myth: Vaccinations give you the flu
A standard shot is generated from an inactivated virus, so receiving the disease from it is virtually impossible. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a flu shot cannot cause flu illness, and for more than 50 years, hundreds of millions of people have been safely receiving vaccinations. That's not to say that there aren't certain side effects that may be experienced following vaccination. These might include feeling achy or having a sore arm where the shot was administered.
Myth: It costs too much
Consumer Reports survey showed that nearly two-thirds of U.S. citizens had no out-of-pocket expenses when it came to getting a flu vaccination, while 90 percent of those who did have to pay a fee paid less than $30. If you're covered under Medicare Part B, you won't spend anything for a flu shot, and according to the Affordable Care Act, flu vaccinations are considered a free preventive service. If you do resort to paying on influenza vaccinations out-of-pocket, you'll typically find that most pharmaceutical stores will charge you $30 or less.
Myth: I don't like getting shots
When you consider all the symptoms associated with influenza, enduring one little prick of a needle is definitely worth it. The HHS estimates that there are more than 200,000 people hospitalized every year for flu-like complications, and many have not been vaccinated in quite some time. This flu season, do yourself a favor and help eliminate your risk of the illness by getting your flu shot.
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