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EDITORIAL: Stay healthy this holiday season by getting a flu shot

Tribune-Democrat - 12/8/2017

Dec. 08--While the focus this time of year is on buying gifts for others, health officials are asking people to get something for themselves -- flu shots.

Already, nine people in Cambria County and four in Somerset have tested positive for the influenza virus, the state Health Department and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have reported. And 14 cases have been reported in Blair, Bedford and Indiana counties combined, officials said.

Although the number of people infected is low, the CDC confirms the virus is in the area.

Residents seem to be heeding the advice of experts who say the vaccines can help prevent a sometimes miserable and potentially dangerous viral infection. The CDC said that of the millions of people who get the flu every year, hundreds of thousands wind up in hospitals and tens of thousands die from the illness or flu-related causes.

"We have actually had to reorder (vaccines) a couple times because we ran out," Dr. Jessica Masser, a family practitioner with the Conemaugh Family Medical Center in Johnstown, said, referring to the number of people getting flu shots.

Brandon Greiner, a physician assistant at MedExpress in Richland Township, said his office also has also been busy inoculating people.

"We'd love for everyone to get the flu shot," he said, "and now is the time to definitely get them."

Flu season is usually December through February, Masser said.

There are still many people who contend that the flu shot made them sick. Masser says that isn't possible because the viruses used for the vaccines are already dead. The inactive virus tricks the body into creating more antibodies to ward off the actual live virus when -- or if -- it is contracted.

"It makes the body think you have a virus," Masser said.

However, some individuals may have side effects from the shots, the CDC warns. They can include soreness or swelling at the injection site, a low-grade fever and body aches, but they are minor inconveniences compared to a full-blown case of influenza, doctors said.

There are several flu vaccines available every year.

That's why Masser and others recommend that patients get the vaccine from their family physicians.

"That doctor can make sure it's safe and effective for you," Masser said.

Vaccines also are available at urgent care clinics, pharmacies, through some employers and at college health centers, the CDC said.

Although some cases of the flu have popped up across the region, health experts say it's not too late to get a shot.

"Getting vaccinated later can still be beneficial and vaccination should continue to be offered throughout the flu season, even into January or later," the CDC writes on its website, www.cec.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.

Do yourself and those around you a favor and get a flu shot. It's the best way of reducing your chance of getting sick and it also will stop the spread of the virus to your loved ones.

Enjoy the holidays by being healthy.

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