Nobody wants to get the flu, but many people catch the Influenza virus during the winter and early spring. The virus is highly contagious and people with the flu experience sore throat, fever, headache, aching muscles, cough and fatigue. For most people, catching the flu is an unpleasant inconvenience, but for people with weakened immune systems it can be a life-threatening event. Elderly individuals can develop serious health problems if they come down with the flu and the influenza virus is responsible for around 70,000 deaths every year. It is a good idea for those in the high-risk category to avoid public places during flu season.
Should You Get The Flu Shot?
Many children and adults receive a flu vaccination to protect them against current influenza viruses. The flu vaccine includes three virus strains that are expected to infect the population during the flu season. When the vaccine is injected into people, their immune system is stimulated and they develop immunity to the specific virus strains. Health care professionals, teachers and daycare workers choose to have the vaccination so they can avoid getting seasonal flu viruses. Students living in college dorms and international travelers often choose to get the flu vaccination. Some people experience mild flu like symptoms after having the flu shot. The vaccine contains eggs and is not suitable for people with egg allergies.
How Effective Is The Vaccination?
It takes two weeks for the vaccination to provide a person with protection against the seasonal flu so it is important that people get their flu shot a few weeks before flu season begins. Most people get their flu vaccine in September. The flu shot is not 100% effective. The vaccination successfully prevents the flu 70% of the time. People can still contract seasonal flu viruses after receiving the flu shot, but their case of the flu is less severe. The CDC advises people with compromised immune systems to receive the flu vaccine each year. Elderly individuals and people with health problems such as diabetes should have the flu vaccination.
How Vitamin D Supplements Can Boost The Immune System
Another great way to prevent seasonal flu viruses is to take Vitamin D3 Supplements. Vitamin D boosts the function of the immune system and those who take supplements become sick less often than those who are deficient in the vitamin. People who take daily Vitamin D supplents also recover from colds and flus much faster than people who are Vitamin D deficient. Vitamin D also helps to improve mood, relieving depression during the dark winter months.

