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Obtaining
vaccine does not guarantee a flu-free season, however. Influenza viruses are constantly changing, and vaccine effectiveness depends on match between vaccine strains and circulating viruses and age and health status of person getting shot. Although strain in this year's flu vaccine is different from circulating strain, CDC states that studies indicate that vaccine should provide some cross-protection against circulating A strain.
Some people resist getting flu shot because of belief that they will get severe side effects, or even flu itself, from vaccine. The viruses in vaccine are inactivated, so you cannot get flu from a flu shot. Certain side effects are possible, such as soreness, redness, or swelling where shot was given, fever (low grade), and aches.
Chances that shot will cause serious harm, or death, is very small and allergic reactions to vaccine, though possible, are rare, states CDC. Most people who get vaccine have no serious problems with it. However, following groups should not get a flu shot before talking with their doctor:
People with an allergy to hens' eggs. People who have had a severe reaction to a flu shot in past. People who have developed Guillian-Barre Syndrome in 6 weeks following a flu shot.
Since obtaining vaccination doesn't necessarily guarantee immunity against flu, it is wise to add common sense to our prevention efforts while we are busy pumping iron at health club. Old fashioned hand-hygiene can go a long way in helping to prevent flu transmission. Although you don't want to spend your entire workout running to restroom to wash your hands after every set, it's certainly advisable to make sure your hands are clean before and after workout. Refrain from touching your nose and mouth during workout to avoid obtaining virus. Use of hand-antiseptics which include alcohol can also help to prevent transmission of flu virus.
What to do if you get flu So what if you obtain a flu shot, practice stellar hand-hygiene and manage to contract flu anyway? Since it is impossible to tell if you have flu based on symptoms alone, visit your doctor. Tests can be performed in first few days of illness to determine diagnosis. Since influenza is caused by a virus, antibiotics won't work to cure it. You need to rest, drink plenty of fluids, avoid using alcohol and tobacco, and possibly take medication to relieve symptoms.
The CDC warns never to give aspirin to children or teenagers who have flu-like symptoms, particularly fever, without speaking to your doctor. Doing so can cause a rare but serious illness called Reye syndrome.
By all accounts, we may be in store for a particularly harsh flu season this year. Take precaution to reduce likelihood of getting flu, particularly if you are an avid gym-goer. Preventative measures may not only help to avoid flu, but also interrupting hard earned progress on your fitness goals.
For more information about flu, it's transmission, prevention and treatment, check out CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/flu/.
Jon Gestl, CSCS, is a certified personal fitness trainer and instructor in Chicago specializing in in-home and in-office fitness training. He is a United States National Aerobic Champion silver and bronze medalist and world-ranked sportaerobic competitor. He can be contacted at jongestl@jongestl.com.
