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We all know the drill. Sudden headache, achy muscles and joints, high fever and a persistent cough. It goes by many names but we all know it as the flu. Each year scores of people are knocked on their butt by this simple but very unpleasant and potentially serious disease. But we can all protect ourselves from this annual affliction by simply getting a flu shot.

Flu shots are a simple way to decrease your risk of getting sick, yet there are still some who refuse and even fear this simple vaccine. There are several myths out there that have convinced people to avoid the flu shot at all costs. Let's dispel those myths with these facts about the flu vaccine.

Important Flu Vaccine Facts

• Not everyone should take the live vaccine.
  People with weakened immune systems such as those living with HIV and AIDS should NEVER take a live virus vaccine such as Flumist

• You can't get the flu from the flu shot!
  It's all a matter of timing. The vaccine takes approximately 10 days to 2 weeks to fully protect a person from the flu. If you are exposed to the flu before that time, flu symptoms may occur. But simply getting the vaccine can not give a person the flu.

• Aches and Pains are Normal
  It's common to feel achy, have a low grade fever or feel fatigued a day or so after getting the flu vaccine. This is a normal response and is NOT an allergy or the flu. These symptoms will resolve on their own.

• You need a flu shot every year.
  Because the virus strain that causes the flu changes each year, so does the vaccine. Last year's flu shot will not protect you against this year's virus strain.

• Mom's to Be Need to Get Vaccinated
  Pregnant and breast feeding mothers CAN and should receive the flu shot.

Who Should Be Vaccinated?

The following populations should get the flu vaccine:

• children aged 6--23 months

• children and adolescents (aged 6 months--18 years) who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy and, therefore, might be at risk for experiencing Reye syndrome after influenza virus infection

• women who will be pregnant during the influenza season

• adults and children who have chronic disorders of the pulmonary or cardiovascular systems, including asthma

• adults and children who have required regular medical follow-up or hospitalization during the preceding year because of chronic metabolic diseases (including diabetes mellitus), renal dysfunction, hemoglobinopathies, or immunodeficiency (including immunodeficiency caused by medications or by human immunodeficiency virus [HIV])

• adults and children who have any condition (e.g., cognitive dysfunction, spinal cord injuries, seizure disorders, or other neuromuscular disorders) that can compromise respiratory function or the handling of respiratory secretions or that can increase the risk for aspiration

• residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities that house persons of any age who have chronic medical conditions

• children aged 24--59 months and persons aged 50--64 years.

• healthy household contacts and caregivers of children aged 0--59 months and persons at high risk for severe complications from influenza

• health-care workers

• persons aged >65 years.

Who Shouldn't Be Vaccinated?

• previous anaphylactic reaction or sensitivity to eggs or other vaccine components

• people suffering with moderate or severe acute illness

So get out and get that flu shot. Most insurances cover the vaccine. If not, the cost is usually $10 to $15. The supply of vaccine is good and can be found at health departments or your doctor's office usually starting October 1. Avoid the flu with this simple vaccine and enjoy your winter.

If you are unsure if you should receive the flu vaccine or are unsure if you should get the live or innactivated flu vaccine, consult with your doctor.

_{Source: 2006-07 Influenza Prevention & Control Recommendations; The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; September, 2006.}