You’re healthy. A little flu won’t hurt you. And you hate needles. Why bother with the flu shot? Well, it’s not just about you…
You see, when you get the flu, even just a mild case, you can pass it along to others, and they may not be as healthy as you are. That sweet little old lady in front of you in the grocery line or the young woman in the doctor’s office, that you didn’t know was taking chemo, could be exposed to the virus you just caught because you didn’t get your shot. And they could become very ill because their immune system isn’t as strong as yours. If you don’t get the flu, you can’t pass it on.
Protect the herd...
And, while we’re talking about virus infections, I should tell you about something called “herd immunity”. This term means that if most of the the population (or “herd”) in an area is vaccinated to protect them from a virus, then those who are more vulnerable and those who can’t (or won’t) get a vaccine will be better protected.
But a majority of the “herd” needs to get their flu shot for the effect to make a difference. If too few are protected, then enough people are vulnerable to let an epidemic spread. We’ve seen this lately with some of the childhood vaccines... Diseases like mumps and measles had become quite rare, but in recent years news articles have described local areas and sports teams where groups of people have become sick with these viruses. Untrue rumours on the internet have convinced many parents that there is a connection between the measles/mumps vaccine (MMR) and autism. In spite of having been proven incorrect, articles continue to circulate around the internet about this false connection.
Reactions are rare but...
Most people tolerate vaccines well - the slightly sore arm or mild fatigue that sometimes occurs is nothing compared to a full-force flu. And, in the elderly, the very young, and those with chronic disease or a weakened immune system, it can be life-threatening. People die from the flu every year.
A very few serious reactions to vaccines are reported, due to allergies or sensitivities, and this is why you need to stay for 15 minutes after your shot. If you should have one of those rare reactions, you will receive treatment for it right away. Doctors will recommend that people who have had a serious reaction do not take that vaccine again or that they receive it in a hospital setting. This is another case where herd immunity, ensuring that friends, co-workers and family are vaccinated, can be important.
So do your part to protect yourself and others -- find a pharmacy or clinic that gives flu shots. Most pharmacies do now, and they’re free there for most people just as they are at your doctor’s office. Roll up your sleeve and take a deep breath… it’s done in seconds and hardly hurts at all.
And, to feel the injection less, here’s what to do:
Relax. It hurts a lot more if the muscle is tight.
Ask the person injecting to wait until the alcohol evaporates. It only takes a few extra seconds.
Don’t move. You want the needle to go straight in and straight out quickly.
Distract yourself. Even taking a deep breath can be enough distraction to take attention away from the injection.
Apply pressure right away. Your brain will register pressure instead of pain.
Often an injector will press lightly on your arm while giving the injection, for the same reason.
They will also make sure the injection is well into your muscle - it hurts less there and works better too.
The injector will use a cotton ball to apply pressure. You can take over so they can finish up their paperwork.
If the area is sore later, apply a cold compress (a refrigerated ice pack or ice cubes wrapped in a cloth). You can also take a dose of Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen (Tylenol) to reduce soreness at the site of the injection, a common side effect.
So, lots you can do to make your flu shot practically painless!
