WCHD flu clinic starts Monday

It takes a while for the flu shot to kick in.

In addition to getting a flu vaccination, persons 65 years of age and older, and those with chronic health conditions, should ask their health care provider about being vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia. Last season, for example, four people died in Fresno County of complications from the flu, said Natalia Vargas-Leanos, a health education specialist for the Fresno County Department of Public Health.

The flu shot, however, can not give you the flu. The quadrivalent vaccine protects against an additional B virus. The vaccine could result in minor side effects, including redness and swelling at the injection site, and is not recommended for those with a history of severe allergic reactions to eggs. Symptoms of the flu, according to the CDC, include a 100F or higher fever or feeling feverish, a cough and/or sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, headaches or body aches, chills, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea (most common in children).

“By being vaccinated now, you can get the maximum protection this flu season and help prevent the spread of the flu”, said Dr. Alexander-Scott. A few people prefer this simple and painless method that offers the protection of a quadrivalent vaccine. The clinic also is ideal for people who might who have difficulty walking, since they will not need to leave their vehicles in order to get the shot.

If you have the flu, which is contagious for about a week, remember that while you might be strong enough to easily fight off a flu, not everyone is. But even if you are one of the lucky ones who bounces back quickly from the flu, people around you may not be so lucky. “The best defense is a good offense, and the best offense is getting a flu shot”. But the 2014-15 flu season hit harder than usual because the vaccine, normally 50 to 60 percent effective, was only 13 percent effective because the main strain of the flu virus making the rounds was not included.

Health officials say now is the time to get vaccinated since it can take about 2 weeks to start working.

Officials are strongly recommending the very young, seniors and pregnant women get the vaccine, as well as healthy people.