2008 Woodie Awards
'Tis the season for flu
Licia Johnson / De Anza Health Educator
Issue date: 10/30/06 Section: Features
Monday, October 30th, 2006
Flu season is approaching and you are probably asking yourself, Why should I get a yearly flu shot? Simple, the flu is more than just a really bad cold.
It is a serious illness caused by the flu virus. Each year over 30,000 people die from the flu. Over 200,000 people are hospitalized with complications. Getting a yearly flu shot is your best protection from the flu.
For students, the Flu clinic will be held November 1 in the Health Center from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on November 2 in room S-18 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on a first come first serve basis. This clinic is free.
Flu complications: Pneumonia (most common) Heart problems Sinus/ear infections Reye's syndrome (swelling of the brain) And, the flu can make some chronic health problems worse. These include asthma, bronchitis, diabetes and congestive heart failure.
1. How does the flu shot work?
The vaccine helps the body make "antibodies."
2. Can you get the flu from the flu shot?
No. The shot uses "dead" flu virus. People get colds and illnesses with flu-like symptoms in the winter, but these aren't caused by the shot.
3. Do shots have side effects?
Sometimes. They are usually mild and last only a few days. They may includeredness, tenderness and/or swelling. More rarely; a slight fever, weakness and body aches.
4. Can I still get the flu if I get vaccinated?
It's possible. It may be a strain of flu virus not in the vaccine. Also, people at high risk may not make antibodies as well. Generally, it will be a milder case.
Send us your health questions to lavoz@fhda.edu
Flu season is approaching and you are probably asking yourself, Why should I get a yearly flu shot? Simple, the flu is more than just a really bad cold.
It is a serious illness caused by the flu virus. Each year over 30,000 people die from the flu. Over 200,000 people are hospitalized with complications. Getting a yearly flu shot is your best protection from the flu.
For students, the Flu clinic will be held November 1 in the Health Center from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on November 2 in room S-18 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on a first come first serve basis. This clinic is free.
Flu complications: Pneumonia (most common) Heart problems Sinus/ear infections Reye's syndrome (swelling of the brain) And, the flu can make some chronic health problems worse. These include asthma, bronchitis, diabetes and congestive heart failure.
1. How does the flu shot work?
The vaccine helps the body make "antibodies."
2. Can you get the flu from the flu shot?
No. The shot uses "dead" flu virus. People get colds and illnesses with flu-like symptoms in the winter, but these aren't caused by the shot.
3. Do shots have side effects?
Sometimes. They are usually mild and last only a few days. They may includeredness, tenderness and/or swelling. More rarely; a slight fever, weakness and body aches.
4. Can I still get the flu if I get vaccinated?
It's possible. It may be a strain of flu virus not in the vaccine. Also, people at high risk may not make antibodies as well. Generally, it will be a milder case.
Send us your health questions to lavoz@fhda.edu
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