I have a confession to make: I've never gotten a flu shot. Yep, it's true. I've just always been skeptical. I've never actually gotten the flu, but I've also never lived in New York City … until now, that is. And now that flu season is upon us, I can't help but wonder: Will this be the year I cave? Should I go through with getting the flu shot, or skip it yet again? And what are the pros and cons?
Like most everyone, I feel like I'm always bombarded with differing information. Some people say they get a little sick after getting the flu vaccine, other flu shot veterans say it hurts worse than the average immunization prick, and then there are those who say that, as a healthy woman in my mid-20s, I should be just fine without getting one. It's hard to know what to believe.
Well, according to the CDC, everyone over 6 months of age should get a flu vaccine, unless the person is allergic. But, let's be honest here, how many of us always do as we're told (like, ahem, flossing our teeth every day)?
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Well, we've rounded up some useful information about the flu shot here so that it's easier to make a more educated decision about whether or not to go ahead and get one. Read through these 10 flu shot pros and cons in order to make the best decision:
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Pro: The flu vaccine can't give you the flu
The vaccine is made from a seriously weakened form of the flu virus, which cannot give you influenza.
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Pro: This year's shot has three times the protection
This year's vaccine has more than the H1N1 virus strain; it also has two other strains that were identified as possible contaminants for us here in the Northern hemisphere. Sounds promising, right?
Pro: You don't have to get pricked
There's a nasal spray flu vaccine that's just as effective as the injection. The best part? It's approved for healthy people between the ages of 2 and 49.
Pro: If you're a working lady, they're often free
Many companies offer free flu shots. According to Reuters, 79 percent of employers with consumer-driven health plans offer free flu shots!
Pro: Getting it now will keep you at the office
Why use sick days with the flu when you could avoid getting it altogether?
Con: It may not be safe for you
If you are allergic to eggs, then the flu shot could be no-go for you. Why's that? The flu vaccine is cultivated inside of chicken eggs.
Con: Being flu-free isn't guaranteed
I know, it's a sucky thing. However, just because you get the flu shot doesn't mean you're in the clear.
Con: Protection isn't immediate
It takes about two weeks for the vaccine to really kick in.
Con: There could be some mercury in there
A seasonal flu shot has small amounts of mercury added as a preservative. Mercury has been linked to certain brain and nerve disorders and that fact alone may make those on-the-fence about getting the shot uneasy.
Con: There can be side effects
Some people develop symptoms ranging from soreness and swelling at the area of injection to low-grade fever and achiness. The good news? Generally these clear up within a day or two.
