Flu Vaccine in Las Vegas

What is Influenza (flu)?

Influenza (Flu) is a viral respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. The infection attacks the respiratory system and is spread by droplets released while talking, sneezing, and coughing. Types of influenza virus are: A, B, C, and D. Influenza A and B cause seasonal flu in humans. Although the flu symptoms may be similar to the common cold, the common cold symptoms gradually start, the symptoms of the flu appear suddenly. Fortunately, in many cases, the disease goes away on its own, but it can lead to fatal complications in some patients. People at higher risk of developing Influenza are:

• Children under five years, especially infants under six months
• Adults over 65 years
• Pregnant women
• Women up to two weeks after delivering their child
• People with weak immune systems
• Native Americans
• Patients suffering from chronic diseases
• Obese people and those with a body mass index of 40 or higher

 

What are the common symptoms of the flu?

• Fever over 100.4 F (38 C)
• Aching muscles
• Chills and sweats
• Headache
• Dry, persistent cough
• Fatigue and weakness
• Nasal congestion
• Sore throat
• Eye pain
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Diarrhea and vomiting, which are more common in children

 

What are Influenza complications?

If you are young and healthy, getting the flu is probably not a big risk. But adults and children are at risk for the following complications:

• Heart problems
• Ear infections
• Acute respiratory distress syndrome
• Bronchitis
• Pneumonia
• Asthma flare-ups

 

What is the flu vaccine?

The flu vaccine is the best way to prevent disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone over the age of six months receive the vaccine annually. Two weeks after the vaccine is given, the body begins to make proteins called antibodies. This reduces the risk of getting the flu and the risk of serious complications or hospitalization. As you know, the symptoms of the flu are similar to COVID-19. Getting the flu vaccine also reduces the risk of symptoms that may be confused with the symptoms of COVID-19.

 

What are flu vaccine delivery options?

The flu vaccine is currently available as a nasal spray or injection form. The use of the nasal spray is approved for people 2 to 49 years old. However, this form of the vaccine is not recommended in the following people:

• Pregnant women
• People over 50 years old
• Children under two years
• Children 2 to 17 years old taking salicylate-containing medicines (such as aspirin)
• Children 2 to 4 years old who have had asthma or wheezing for the past 12 months
• People with weak immune systems

 

What are the types of flu vaccine?

Types of flu vaccines include: Trivalent flu vaccines: These vaccines are effective against three strain viruses:

• influenza A (H1N1)
• influenza A (H3N2)
• an influenza B virus

Quadrivalent flu vaccines: These vaccines are effective against two strains of A and two strains of B viruses.

 

When should I get the flu shot?

Because the flu virus evolves regularly, you should get vaccinated every year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that the best time to get the Flu shot is before the flu season. It is most helpful to get the vaccine early in the fall. Also, keep in mind that all people at risk should receive a flu shot by the end of October. Children between 6 months and 8 years of age may need two doses, the first time they receive the vaccine. After that, receiving an annual dose is enough. Note that in this case, the interval between two doses should be at least four weeks.

 

Who should get the flu shot?

As mentioned, everyone over the age of 6 months should receive the flu vaccine annually. Because some people are more at risk for the flu and its dangerous symptoms, it is important for them to get the vaccine:

• Pregnant women
• Young children
• Elderly people
• People who suffer from the following problems:

1- People with cancer and people being treated for cancer 2- People with lung diseases such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 3- People with chronic liver disease, kidney disease, and diabetes 4- People with defective immune systems (such as people with HIV) 5- Obese people

 

Who should not get the flu shot?

Consult your doctor before receiving the vaccine if:

• You are allergic to eggs: Most flu vaccines contain egg protein. You do not need additional precautions if you do not have a severe allergy to eggs. But if the allergy is severe, you need to see your doctor when you get the vaccine.
• You have shown a severe reaction to the previous dose of the vaccine: People who have previously received the flu vaccine but have had a severe reaction should not get the flu vaccine.

 

What are the side effects of the influenza vaccine?

The most common side effects of this vaccine are:

• Soreness
• Redness
• Swelling
• Headache (low grade)
• Fever
• Nausea
• Muscle aches
• Fatigue

Life-threatening complications following a flu shot are very rare, but be sure to call your physician if you have any of these problems:

• Difficulty in breathing
• Hoarseness or wheezing
• Hives
• Paleness,
• Weakness,
• A fast heartbeat
• Dizziness

 

Flu shot in Las Vegas

Here, at Southern Nevada Occupational Health Center (SNOHC), we provide a complete of worker’s health and safety services, including vaccination services, to help your employees. To get any further information about services performed at SNOHC, you can navigate through the menu of this website.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Flu vaccine

How many years is a flu shot good for?
The flu vaccine only works for up to six months, so you should get it every year.
Should you get the flu vaccine?
Influenza can be very dangerous in some cases. So, everyone over the age of 6 months should receive the flu vaccine annually.
How long is the flu contagious?
Adults are highly contagious in the first three days of the illness. People with weakened immune systems transmit the virus for longer.
Do you get sick from flu shot?
No. The flu vaccine’s most common side effects are soreness, redness, and swelling. In some cases, low-grade fever and headache may also occur.