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The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) estimates that between 5-20% of the US population will be infected with the influenza virus each year. While the flu may mean just a few uncomfortable and achy days for some people, it can be a devastating illness and an estimated 36,000 people a year will die from complications of a disease in the US alone.

Physicians recommend that most people receive a flu shot each year to help reduce their chances of infection. There are two types of vaccinations currently available: the traditional flu shot and a FluMist (nasal spray). Each type of vaccine contains three of the most widespread forms of the influenza virus and each will assist your body to produce the antibodies needed to protect you from the disease.

Although the flu vaccination is effective, as with all other types of medications there are some risks involved. The CDC recommends that the following groups of people contact a physician first or forgo the flu vaccination to avoid any side effects or serious complications:

-People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs (the base protein of most vaccines)

-People who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination in the past.

-People who developed Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) within six weeks of getting an influenza vaccine previously.

-Children less than six months of age.

People who have a moderate or severe illness with a fever should wait to get vaccinated until their symptoms lessen.

There are also potential side effects associated with both types of flu vaccinations. Most side effects associated with the flu shot are mild and will dissipate within a couple of days. Potential side effects with the flu shot include:

-Soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site.

-Low grade fever

-Stiffness or aches

The milder side effects from the FluMist differ slightly and include:

-Runny nose

-Wheezing

-Headache

-Fever

-Muscle Aches

-Vomiting

Rarely, the influenza vaccine can also trigger more severe reactions including hives and anaphylaxis. Usually these symptoms are in response to an allergic reaction to the egg protein or other components of the flu shot, so people with known allergies should alert their physician before receiving any type of vaccination.

Guillain-Barre Syndrome is another rare reaction that has been associated with the flu vaccination. Although scientists aren’t exactly sure what triggers GBS, there were direct links to the disease after the 1976-1977 Swine Flu vaccine. There are only a handful of cases today with possible links to the influenza vaccine.

It is worth remembering that most people tolerate their flu vaccinations with little to no discomfort from even the most minor side effects. The influenza viruses are constantly evolving, and the threat of a larger flu pandemic is a good reason to weigh your risks and decide to go ahead and get that annual flu shot.

CDC Influenza/Flu (2008) http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/q a/disease.htm

Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, College of Medicine Penn State (2008) Health & Disease Information, Guillain-Barre Syndrome http://www.hmc.psu.edu/healthi nfo/g/guillainbarre.htm