Tis the season for the Flu

Across New York a number of cases of the flu have been popping up, over 19,000 have been reported thus far. So the governor put us in a “public health emergency”. While everyone should get the flu shot it’s especially important for people with asthma, diabetes, and chronic lung disease,Pregnant women, and People younger than 5 years (and especially those younger than 2), and people 65 years and older.

Personally I can’t get the flu shot because I am allergic to eggs. The flu shot is grown in chicken eggs which would cause me to get an allergic reaction. About 1 in 66 people are allergic to eggs and can’t get the flu shot, causing them to get the flu. But recently they came out with a new flu shot without eggs called the FLUBLOK Vaccine.  This is a Cell-based flu vaccine production systems which usually is genetically engineered viruses to produce vaccine ingredients basically pieces of flu virus, not live virus itself. I recently got it and had no side effects or allergic reactions, since this is the first year of getting it I’m not quite sure how well it will help with not getting the flu ( But ill keep you posted).

Side Effects: Some effects that may occur after you get the shot is soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given,Fever (low grade),Aches, and Toughness and itching where the shot was given.If these problems occur, they begin soon after the shot and usually last one to two days.

Where can I get the Flu shot?! For anyone reading this if your not at FIT you can get the flu shot at Walgreens, CVS, Target, Basically anywhere with a pharmacy. I know for a fact Walgreens carries the new FLUBLOK vaccine, you just have to ask for it and if they don’t have it they can get it in within a few days. Flu shots can typically cost anywhere from 20-45 dollars if you don’t have insurance. But if you do have insurance it most likely wont cost you anything. At FIT right now you can get a flu shot for free when you go to the health services room, usually you can just walk in. But getting closer to the holidays I would suggest making an appointment so your not waiting a long time.

Make sure you keep healthy for the holidays!

Xoxo -Kailee