{"id":5268,"date":"2016-11-22T14:22:16","date_gmt":"2016-11-22T19:22:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/joinastudy.ca\/?p=5268"},"modified":"2019-11-01T15:47:18","modified_gmt":"2019-11-01T19:47:18","slug":"flu-shot-faqs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/joinastudy.ca\/fr\/flu-shot-faqs\/","title":{"rendered":"Influenza Vaccine: Common Side Effects and Other FAQs"},"content":{"rendered":"

During the 2013-2014 flu season, approximately one-third<\/a> of Canadians aged 12 and over protected themselves from the flu by getting a flu shot<\/span>. <\/span><\/p>\n

The flu\u00a0<\/span>vaccine is the best way to protect against the flu\u2014statistics suggest that getting\u00a0<\/span>it can lower your chances of contracting the influenza virus by 50-60%<\/a>\u00a0when there is a good match between the vaccine and circulating flu viruses<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Still, many people don\u2019t think getting the flu shot is necessary. <\/span><\/p>\n

Among the two-thirds of Canadians who did not get the vaccine in 2013-2014, 56% said<\/a> they felt it was unnecessary<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

In fact, getting a flu shot is the best way to protect yourself from a serious illness. Though the flu may seem like a minor problem, it can be dangerous and even life-threatening for certain people. <\/span><\/p>\n

I<\/span>f you have questions about the influenza vaccine and its side effects, read on to learn the answers.<\/span><\/p>\n

How does the flu vaccine work?<\/b><\/h2>\n

The flu vaccine is a preventative treatment for the flu. It\u2019s safe, effective, and your best line of defence when it comes to protecting you and your family from the seasonal influenza virus<\/span>. <\/span><\/p>\n

The vaccine helps your immune system to develop antibodies which will be able to fight selected strains of the flu virus. If you come into contact with the flu virus, these antibodies can protect you from infection.<\/span><\/p>\n

The flu isn\u2019t caused by a single virus. In fact, the influenza virus has many strains which are constantly changing. For this reason, the flu vaccine is <\/span>updated every year<\/a> to include strains of the virus that scientists believe will be common throughout the flu season<\/span>. As a result, you need to get vaccinated each year to protect yourself. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"flu-shot-faqs\"<\/p>\n

Should I get the flu vaccine?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Chances are you\u2019ve seen signs urging you to get the shot at your local pharmacy, doctor\u2019s office, or clinic. Maybe you\u2019ve also noticed ads\u00a0at work or at your child\u2019s school or local community centre. <\/span><\/p>\n

So do you really need to get the shot?<\/span><\/p>\n

The Government of Canada recommends all Canadians over the age of six months get the flu vaccine\u00a0for a few simple reasons<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Firstly, the flu shot is the best way to protect yourself if you are exposed to the virus. <\/span><\/p>\n

Even if you do get sick, the flu shot can help to reduce the duration and severity of the illness, meaning you\u2019ll be able to get back to your everyday life sooner. <\/span><\/p>\n

In addition, when you get the flu shot you\u2019re helping to protect those around you\u2014including your family members, co-workers, and friends\u2014from getting sick. By getting vaccinated you are less likely to spread the virus<\/a> to others<\/span>. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

People who are at an increased risk of developing complications from the flu are especially urged to get the flu shot. This includes individuals who:<\/span><\/p>\n