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SALT LAKE CITY — With the fall weather making itself known, it's time to protect against the flu. Last year only 45 percent of Americans got vaccinated against influenza.
Doctors say everyone, 6 months of age and older, should get the flu vaccine to protect themselves and everyone around them since influenza is quite contagious and worse than the common cold.
Clinical pharmacist said the flu is much more severe, "Usually you'll feel it in your whole body. You'll have aches and pains, fevers, chills, coughing and some runny nose, as well and some sneezing, but you'll feel it everywhere."
Last year 85 children died from the flu, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and health officials are worried without the nasal spray the number of child deaths could increase.
If you fear that you can actually get the flu from the vaccine, Dr. Winter said that's not true. "Usually you will have a slight immune response to it, that means it's working, which means you may get a slight fever a day or two later and maybe a soreness in the arm where they gave it," Winter said.
Flu season typically starts in October and peaks in December or January.
You can get a vaccine from your doctor or a pharmacy, where you don't even need an appointment.
