LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) - With the colder weather headed to Central Arkansas, many people will head out and get flu shots.
Many people get a flu shot each year while others are hesitant for a variety of reasons. Some THV viewers told us about their questions and concers on Facebook, and we took them to a doctor to get the facts.
Betty S. said: "Never had one and never will. Everyone I know that gets the shot gets sick."
UAMS Dr. Appathurai Balamurugan explained that this is sometimes actually true, but only for a short time.
"Some people who get it can develop some soreness at the site where they got the vaccination and some can even get some fever or some upper respiratory symptoms like cough or cold, but it's all short lived," says Balamurugan
Facebook friend William S. agrees with the doctor saying, "Last year I began to feel bad within two hours of getting the shot and developed a fever that lasted less than one day. I think this was a side effect of the shot."
Kim A. stands behind the flu shot saying, "I've gotten a flu shot every year for the past 20 years except the year there was a shortage. That's the year I got the flu."
Chelsea W. said she only got the shot when she was pregnant and as a young mother. Dr. Balamurugan says that is an especially important time to get the shot.
"During pregnancy their immunity is a little low so that's why the centers for disease control and other recommend that it is even more important to get the flu shot," says Balamurugan.
Additional Information:
Does my child need a flu shot?
More FAQ on flu vaccines, from the CDC