Day in and day out, we run the risk of contracting common illnesses, whether from contact with other people, from stress or unhealthy habits, and even from the pollutants in our surroundings that our immune system can’t handle. The fact of the matter is, we all get sick one way or another because that’s how we’re made! Even the best of computers get viruses, what more for us tender-fleshed and vulnerable humans.

Some of us take vitamins religiously to strengthen our immune system in their fight against viruses and bacteria. There are people who swear by Vitamin C, taking Ascorbic Acid and other related supplements to do the job. Let’s face it, sickness is always a nuisance: it prevents us from being with our loved ones for fear of them contracting it, we feel too weak to do the things we want to do, and we have lower productivity rate at work when we don’t feel too well. Our finances get tight too, from the high price of medicine and the expensive doctor’s check up. This is why people would do anything just to prevent being sick in the first place.

INFLUENZA VACCINE
What is commonly known as a “Flu Shot” is actually Influenza Vaccine. It is the method known to stop the body from contracting influenza during changes in season, specifically during winter and prevent the sever complications that might arise from said illness. It is given annually for people who choose to undergo this vaccination. Research have shown that there is about a 75% effectively rating in preventing influenza and its known complications.

We can see that it’s not perfect, but it has both a positive and negative aspect to it:

PROS:
• Influenza vaccine can lower the risk of respiratory illness
• Reduce trips to the doctor and hospitalization from influenza
• For working people, more productivity with less sick leaves.
• The elderly people who are about 60 years old can benefit from taking the flu shot as they can avoid suffering from effects of flu.
• Less chance of heart disease and stroke
• Flu shots are great for people with serious and long-term diseases in the lungs, liver, renal and heart.
• People who work in an environment where influenza can spread fast, like caring for sick patients, working in an enclosed and crowded environment, are protected from contracting and spreading the flu.
• Pregnant women can take the shot (with thorough pre-natal evaluation) to strengthen the weak immune system and protect the fetus from contracting the flu and suffering complications.

CONS:
• It has been much talked about that people who get flu shots are much more vulnerable to Alzheimer’s Disease
• People are getting more and more hesitant because of the ingredients and mixture that goes in the vaccine. Among the listed ingredients are Ethylene Glycol, which is known to be used for vehicles, along with Formaldehyde and Phenol which are known carcinogenic agents.
• Getting the flu shot gives you an after-effect like you’re getting sick. Expect mild fever, head and body aches, and some people have reported experiencing coughing and sneezing, too.

Because it’s your body, you call the shots. Talk to your doctor before getting one though, so you can determine if you have any allergies to the vaccine. Studies have shown that people with allergies to eggs (the vaccine is reported to have egg protein as well) should shy away from the influenza shot. If you’re pregnant or have a high-risk condition you should be cautious and talk extensively to your doctor as well.

Be warned that getting the influenza vaccine does not immediately mean that you are, from here on out, immunized against the virus itself. Influenza is constantly evolving and attaching itself to various viral forms, unlike polio or illnesses like the measles which are steady and non-changing.