Flu shots are here, should you get one?

The answer is probably yes, since there are minimal downsides and they are covered by almost every insurance (they have figured out that it costs them more if you get sick).
But that's too easy an answer, so let's look at it a little more closely.

What are the pros: you hopefully will not get sick if you are exposed to influenza. On the other hand  if you do, it will be less severe than if you have not been immunized. You will save the discomfort of being sick and the time off work, and the cost of trying to get better.

A case in point: yesterday, a plane load of passengers had to be diverted at JFK and were not allowed to enter the terminal because about a third of the passengers (all coming from Dubai) were sick, coughing, feverish and vomiting. It turned out they all had the flu. Ask Vanilla Ice, he was on the plane!
These people were all deplaning in New York, 10 of them were sent directly to the hospital from the airport.
This is an extreme case and that was a long flight, with almost 400 people sharing the same air, but it proves without a doubt that Influenza has arrived and it can be very contagious.

Does a flu shot guarantee someone will not get the flu? No. But isn't it better to have some protection than none? 

So, why would someone not want to get the flu shot? I'm not sure but I can tell you this, it would not be for medical reasons. I have never seen a patient allergic to the shot and when I ask my allergy colleagues they too have difficulty recalling ever having seen someone who was allergic as well.

Some people are scared of needles. Some like to proclaim that they have never had the flu before as if that means they don't have to worry about it.

Young children, the elderly and the people who have compromised immunity are strongly encouraged to get the flu shot. The sooner, the better and if you will be flying during the holidays, take that into account.

To be honest I have already had mine.

I'm happy to say that flu shots are now readily available in our office and you don't need to have an appointment to get one. So think about it and come on in.

Of interest, there is on-going research to create a vaccine that covers every strain, so that hopefully in the next few years once you get immunized you wont have to get it annually. But until that is available, get your annual flu shot with a smile knowing that you have done something proactive to keep yourself healthy this winter.