This article was posted by Yahoo News. Read more here.
With flu season approaching, doctors are encouraging people to start thinking now about when they plan to get vaccinated.
Dr. Kashif Naseem with Augusta Medical Care says early to late October is generally a good time to get a flu shot, giving the body time to build protection before flu activity becomes more common.
“Usually we recommend giving flu shots maybe early to late October,” Naseem said. “That’s the time before the flu starts getting more common.”
Some people in Augusta have already gotten vaccinated, while others say they plan to do it soon.
One young woman told NewsChannel 6 she has not received her shot yet, “but I’m planning on it soon.”
Another resident, who is 66, said getting vaccinated is part of trying to stay ahead of the virus.
“I like to stay ahead of the flu,” she said. “I’m 66, and it’s nice to have the extra protection.”
Her husband said staying healthy for his family was enough reason for him to get vaccinated.
“It’s important for me to stay healthy, for me to stay healthy for my family,” he said. “It’s a no-brainer.”
Naseem says anyone can get influenza, but older adults and people with certain medical conditions can face a greater risk of serious illness.
He pointed to people with lung diseases such as COPD and asthma, along with those who have weakened immune systems.
“Flu still leads to a lot of deaths, especially in the elderly population,” Naseem said.
He says even younger people who normally consider themselves healthy can sometimes develop serious complications, including pneumonia.
Naseem says the vaccine does not mean someone can never catch influenza.
Instead, it can help the body respond to the virus and may reduce how severe the illness becomes.
“You never know when you can get sick,” Naseem said. “Even if you get sick after you get a flu shot, the illness will be less severe, and it will last fewer days.”
The vaccine works by helping the immune system develop antibodies that recognize and fight the virus.
Naseem described antibodies as being “like a policeman of a body that fights against infections.”
Influenza viruses can change over time, which is why flu vaccines are updated regularly.
“Every year, the virus can change a little bit,” Naseem said. “So that’s why every year, the flu vaccine is also changed according to the prevalent virus during that year.”
Augusta Medical Care expects to have its flu vaccine supply available by late September or early October.
For people with underlying health conditions or questions about when they should get vaccinated, Naseem recommends speaking with their health care provider.