Do not be afraid of the flu shot

HATTIESBURG, Miss - Dr. Matthew McClain, Family M.D. from the Hattiesburg Clinic, mentions its not too late to get your flu shot.

For those who are weary abour receiving the shot, Dr. McClain says its better to have it, than go without it!

"Well the flu shot can be very helpful. Some studies show it can be 70% to 80% effective in reducing influenza" says Dr. McClain.

Today most people are weary about receiving the flu shot because of a myth it will cause them to be sick.

However, Dr. McClain says, "Well the flu shot is a dead virus it is not going to give you the flu. But it takes about two weeks for the vaccine to kick in. Therefore, a lot of people think the vaccine gave them the flu because they were exposed before they had the vaccine."

The flu shot is beneficial for all age groups and shows alarming statistics of receiving one.

According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) one study showed that flu vaccination was associated with a 71% reduction in flu-related hospitalizations among adults of all ages and a 77% reduction amoung adults 50 years of age and older during the 2011-2012 flu season.

"To me that is very compelling reason to get your flu shot" Dr. McClain says.

Even though it is flu season, the Pinebelt region has not seen as many cases as usually predicted this time of year, but do not get too excited.

"Flu tends to have a seasonal bases, but that can vary from year to year. There are also different strains of flu, at the moment we are not seeing a lot of the flu, but that can change in a matter of days."

Although experts currently say the flu is low in the U.S., you should still take precaution.

TIPS TO PREVENT SPREADING GERMS:

1. Wash hands before every meal.

2. Avoid close contact.

3. Stay home when you are sick.

4. Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing

5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth