Q: Dear Doctor. I want to get a flu shot, but I am worried it will give me the flu? Should I skip the shot and take my chances?
A: You should not take any chances when it comes to safeguarding you and your family against the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 80,000 people died from the flu last year, it was the highest death toll in 40 years. Flu can be a serious disease, particularly among young children, older adults, and people with certain chronic health conditions, such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes. Any flu infection can carry a risk of serious complications, hospitalization, or death, even among otherwise healthy children and adults.
The flu is preventable by receiving the influenza (flu) vaccination. Contrary to popular opinion, flu vaccines cannot cause flu illness. Healthcare professionals recommend everyone six months of age or older receive the annual flu vaccine. There are different types of vaccines. If you have questions about which vaccine is best for you, talk to your doctor or other health care professional.
If you do not have a Family Medical physician, call Accordia Health at (251) 824-8320. We would love to take care of you and your loved ones. We have same-day appointments available.
Amanda McBane, M.D. is a family medicine physician who has recently joined the Accordia Health team. Her family medicine experience comes from serving as faculty at both the University of South Alabama and Florida State University College of Medicine, and also in caring for patients of all ages in both a traditional family practice office and urgent care centers. Although she has worked in Tallahassee, Florida and Raleigh, North Carolina, a passion for the people of South Alabama drew her back to the area.
