Flu season started early this year with Arizona reporting the first locally acquired flu cases last week. You’ve probably seen or heard messages encouraging you to get a flu shot. That’s because it takes about two weeks for the vaccine to take effect in your system, so we want to be sure you are protected from the flu as early as possible.
Influenza, or flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza virus. It can cause mild to severe illness and at times, can lead to death. Public health does its job to fight the flu by providing year-round surveillance, vaccination recommendations and education. In addition to getting a flu shot every year, you can help fight the flu with a few easy steps. Take everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs like washing hands often, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying at home if you are sick. If you do get the flu, you can take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them.
Let’s be ready this flu season. Learn more about where to get the flu vaccine on our website. Getting vaccinated protects yourself, your family and your community against the flu.
Because the Flu season is near, I’ve heard a lot latley about how most of the vaccines we take in the United States are manufactured in China. Honestly, that makes me a little worried because China has a history of killing people by using ingredients in their products which are unsafe for humans. The New York times wrote an essay about it couple of years ago, and the question of dangerous pharmaceuticals is currently making the rounds of late night talk radio. Is there any way we can be really sure that what’s being injected into our bodies isn’t some second-rate knockoff?
Vaccines that are licensed for use in the U.S. are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The manufacturers have to show that the vaccines work and that they are safe before they licensed by the FDA.
Once licensed, each lot of vaccine undergoes thorough testing by the manufacturer as specified in their license application. The manufacturer then submits samples of each licensed vaccine lot to the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER). The manufacturer may not distribute a lot of a vaccine until CBER approves its release. This is part of the many steps taken by the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to ensure the effectiveness and safety of all vaccines used in the United States.
I hope flu shot are available now in our place, flu is contagious, especially from children ages 6-12. I encourage parents to check your nearest physician’s to get your children vaccine shot already. Nevertheless, they are lots natural way to prevent flu.
i hope flu shot are available now in our place