It's Flu Shot Time
By: Ashley Zilka
Updated: September 26, 2012
The push for the flu vaccine is everywhere.
"We went through vaccine shortages and delays a number of years ago and it created a number of problems. Then one of the benefits of the pandemic, if you can call it that, is that the manufacturers really ramped up and now we really do have a very plentiful supply so if you want a flu vaccine, you can get a flu vaccine," said Dr. Ann Falsey of Rochester General Hospital.
Dr. Ann Falsey says she has seen several cases of the seasonal flu already this year. When are you really going to see it in Rochester? She says after the holidays.
"The period of highest activity in an usual season is in February. January, February, actually around Christmas when there is all the mixing of the families and the little kids and the grandmas and grandpas, that's when you really see things tend to take off," said Falsey.
Although you can get the flu shot in the next several months, there's logic behind getting the vaccine now.
"You get a boost in your antibody levels, your protection, but it doesn't last forever, so you would really like your antibody levels to be maximum at the period of highest risk," said Falsey.
Getting the vaccine is your best bet for avoiding the flu. Doctor Falsey says common practices like covering your cough and washing your hands always help.
"We went through vaccine shortages and delays a number of years ago and it created a number of problems. Then one of the benefits of the pandemic, if you can call it that, is that the manufacturers really ramped up and now we really do have a very plentiful supply so if you want a flu vaccine, you can get a flu vaccine," said Dr. Ann Falsey of Rochester General Hospital.
Dr. Ann Falsey says she has seen several cases of the seasonal flu already this year. When are you really going to see it in Rochester? She says after the holidays.
"The period of highest activity in an usual season is in February. January, February, actually around Christmas when there is all the mixing of the families and the little kids and the grandmas and grandpas, that's when you really see things tend to take off," said Falsey.
Although you can get the flu shot in the next several months, there's logic behind getting the vaccine now.
"You get a boost in your antibody levels, your protection, but it doesn't last forever, so you would really like your antibody levels to be maximum at the period of highest risk," said Falsey.
Getting the vaccine is your best bet for avoiding the flu. Doctor Falsey says common practices like covering your cough and washing your hands always help.
