Shots, Shots, Shots

I'm scheduled to have a Flu shot at the end of the month. This will be my first time getting the shot. I'm nervous. Because of the heart failure, I was told that I should avoid all infections. As if I go looking to catch them! So my PCP (primary care physician) is awesome and recommended that I get it. Are you getting one?

Here are some facts about the flu shot.  (Thanks Dee Dee)

Flu shots this year are a little different IF you ask for it. There are 4 viruses in the new quadrivalent vaccine if you can find it; otherwise, you will be offered the trivalent influenza vaccine. Look for the quad if you can get it. The difference? Well... one more strain of flu! The B/Brisbane/60/2008-like virus is in the quad. In both, you will get the following strains:
1. A/California/7/2009 (h1N1 pdm09-like virus
2. A(H3N2) virus antigenically like the cell-propagated prototype virus A/Victoria/361/2011
3. B/Massachusetts/2/2012-like virus

Will this protect you from every virus? NOPE! But it will protect you from the major viruses that the CDC believes you should be protected from this 2013-2014 upcoming flu virus season. They do their best in their predictions, but there is no way for them to be "spot on". These people are professionals in their field and work daily at fighting these viruses. And as CHF patients and caregivers, you need to do whatever you can to protect yourself from whatever you can whenever you can.

Also remember to wash your hands more often during the cold/flu season and stay away from those who are known to be sick. Less kissing and hugging of people too. We LOVE those hugs but YOU COME FIRST. It is imperative to be careful.

Flu shots are ANNUAL.
Flu shots are INACTIVE (i.e., not LIVE VIRUS) and you cannot get the flu from the flu shot. If you feel you got the flu from the flu shot it is most likely that you either already had it when you got the shot OR you contracted it within the days after you got it (as it takes awhile for the shot to become active/preventative within your system).