Got Your Flu Shot?

Drew Scott

 I got my flu shot today. Maybe you should too.

 It didn't hurt, and doctors say it will provide me some measure of protection from joining thousands of Long Islanders who get sick with the flu every year. 

 Did you know that the flu claims 36,000 lives each year across this country? Mostly those with compromised immune systems, the very young, and old timers (like me).

Most insurance companies reimburse doctors offices for the shot.  

I got my shot from Maria Amorusso, a registered nurse. She was so good with the needle, I didn't feel a thing. She says, later I may feel a little discomfort in my right arm. She says it's an "inactivated" vaccine, not live, so the chances of me getting "a little sick" are near zero.

Who should be SURE to get a flu shot? Again, nurse Amorusso tells me all kids ages 6 months or older up to 18 years, anyone age 50 or over, anyone with chronic medical problems, and anyone who works in the health care field or works closely with kids and older folks.

It takes 2 weeks for the flu shot protection to "kick in." You only need to get one shot per year.

If you want to learn more about the flu, check this website www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm

The only downside to all this: There are many types of flu bugs out there and the vaccine I got will protect me from most of what doctors believe will be "prevalent" infections this year. Still, getting a little stick in my arm is a lot better than spending a week of misery in a hospital bed!