Colder weather means snuggly sweaters and hot cocoa, but it also signals the arrival of flu season. That means eating healthily, taking vitamins to boost immunity, and getting the flu vaccine.
Studies have proven that the vaccine is an effective way to prevent contracting the influenza virus which comes with sniffles, body aches, a temperature, and cough. That said, some myths continue to rear their head, such as that getting the vaccine will actually make you sick.
The flu shot targets the four most common strains of the season by introducing an inactive version of the virus into your body. It then prompts your immune system to make antibodies to fight the dead virus.
As your body believes the virus is real, it can react by giving you a mild fever or a few aches the day after. But don’t worry—that’s actually a sign that the antibody production process is working.
While it is impossible for the jab to give you flu, it is possible that you may catch something in the 2-3 weeks it takes the antibodies to form. It’s also possible that you may catch a different strain from the one in the vaccine. After all, this is the season where viruses tend to run rampant.
Overall, though, getting the flu shot will keep you safe from the viruses you’re most likely to get.
