The flu is still out there killing people here in New Jersey and there are some individuals who are looking to get a flu shot.
As you can see by the above graphic how active the flu is here in New Jersey. The point is that the flu should be tapering off by now and it is not doing so. It has not helped that the flu vaccine is not very effective this year nor does it help that many people who should have have got it had not and now many of them are looking for a ever decreasing supply.
Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Misconceptions about Flu Vaccines
Can a flu shot give you the flu?
No, a flu shot cannot cause flu illness. Flu vaccines given with a needle are currently made in two ways: the vaccine is made either with a) flu vaccine viruses that have been ‘inactivated’ and are therefore not infectious, or b) with no flu vaccine viruses at all (which is the case for recombinant influenza vaccine). The most common side effects from the influenza shot are soreness, redness, tenderness or swelling where the shot was given. Low-grade fever, headache and muscle aches also may occur.
In randomized, blinded studies, where some people get inactivated flu shots and others get salt-water shots, the only differences in symptoms was increased soreness in the arm and redness at the injection site among people who got the flu shot. There were no differences in terms of body aches, fever, cough, runny nose or sore throat.”
So any fears of getting the flu from the vaccine are just false and baseless. Then there are the excuses that the preservatives used are dangerous, well that was from a discredited report and you should be aware that the flu vaccine does not contain anything that can harm you.
From NJ.com, “Flu season in New Jersey is continuing to escalate with nearly 4,000 new cases last week, the most yet in a weekly reporting period this influenza season, according to the latest data from the New Jersey Department of Health.
As the state approaches nearly 18,000 flu cases this season, it remains unclear when this nasty flu is going to peak. Some health experts believe we could be approaching the peak of the season. But with thousands of new cases still mounting each week, health officials are continuing to urge people to get a flu shot.”
So if you have not had the flu this year here are some things that might help. Per the CDC–
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
- If you are sick with flu symptoms, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone for 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.
So stay healthy and don’t blame me if you get the flu.
That is my opinion- Jumpin Jersey Mike
