by Erich Rosenberger M.D.

Created on: November 15, 2007

With the flu season rapidly approaching, it's time again to take a look at issues surrounding the flu vaccine. Despite a well established track record of being safe and effective, a fair amount of controversy and misinformation surrounds the flu shot. In this article I will outline the facts regarding the flu shot.

Each year doctors and scientists formulate a new flu shot in hopes of preventing the spread of this potentially deadly virus. Although the deadly pandemics of the early 20th Century have come and gone, the influenza virus remains a leading cause of hospitalization in America today. Especially at risk are the young children and the elderly. Influenza infections account for over 200,000 annual hospitalizations. It's estimated that influenza and complications due to influenza infections kill over 30,000 people in America each year. Because of this risk, prevention is key in minimizing damage from the influenza virus.

Most doctors will recommend getting a flu shot before the Thanksgiving holiday. This is suggested for several reasons. The sooner you immunize yourself and your family, the less risk you have of getting an early season infection. Also, the holidays often bring many friends and family in close proximity with each other. Parties, dinners, and visiting relatives all bring increased risk of exposure with many people sharing friendly hugs, handshakes and accidental sneezes.

If you do not get the flu shot before the Thanksgiving Holiday, it's not too late. Doctors will be more than happy to provide a flu shot well in to the winter season. Flu season can last well in to late winter and early spring. It's rarely too late to get your flu shot.

Some people do not get themselves or their children vaccinated due to concerns about the vaccination causing autism. This worry stems from a specific preservative used in some preparations of the vaccine called Thimerosol. Thimerosol contains a small amount of mercury, which is the root of the risk with this preservative. Fortunately Thimerosol free vaccines are now the standard for use in children all across America. The Thimerosol free formulation can also be given to adults on request in most places.

The flu shot is still made in chicken egg cultures. Because of this, people with egg allergies or chicken protein allergies should use caution when considering the flu shot. If you have specific questions about egg allergies, it's important to speak with your doctor.

Despite some common misunderstandings, it is absolutely

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