Flu Vaccination: It’s not too late! Published Feb. 7, 2014 By Captain James E. Hougas III, M.D. 341st Medical Operations Squadron MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Flu season is upon us and hopefully you already have gotten your vaccination. If not, the immunization clinic at the 341st Medical Group is happy and ready to help you. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend a "yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses." Some of my patients have questions or comments about getting the flu vaccine. Here are some of the common ones that I have gotten: Doesn't the CDC just guess about what viruses to put in the vaccine? This is partially true. The scientists at the CDC look at circulating flu viruses from the southern hemisphere to determine which to place in the vaccine because the southern hemisphere has its flu season six months before the northern hemisphere. At this time in the year, I can tell you that they were right on point with their picks. The main circulating virus is H1N1 (97 percent of the typed "A" viruses) and a distant second place is H3N2. Both of these strains are included in this season's vaccine. Also, even during the years when the vaccine is not a perfect match, patients who were vaccinated generally have a milder disease. Every time I get the flu shot, I get the flu! When you get the flu vaccine via injection, usually either into your arm or leg, it is impossible to get the flu. The injectable vaccine contains chopped up pieces of the flu virus and absolutely no live virus. However, the process by which our body creates our protective antibodies can, sometimes, make us feel a little off. When our immune system ramps up to do its job and fight, it releases chemicals that often make us feel warm, achy, tired and even a little nauseous. These symptoms are usually mild and are well managed with over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Also, these symptoms will pale in comparison to how awful you feel if you get the flu. The injectable vaccine is available at our clinic. I don't get sick. Why should I get the flu shot? Currently, Montana is reporting widespread flu activity. Plenty of those unlucky enough to have the flu currently probably thought the same thing. Also, those who are pregnant, have asthma, are obese or smoke cigarettes as well as young children are at high risk for serious health problems requiring hospitalization if they get the flu. Let us help you stay healthy. Stop by the immunization clinic today. Information from this article was taken from the following websites: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/preventing.htm http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/