Healthbeat: Is your business out sick?

Posted by Crozer Keystone Staff on August 20, 2014

Flu season is just around the corner and with it comes a flood of sick days from co-workers and employees. If you’re a small business, even just a few employees going out sick can present significant challenges. This year, schedule a flu shot clinic to ensure your team stays protected and your doors stay open.

It’s understandable if you or your employees are a little hesitant about getting a flu vaccination. After all, there are a lot of myths and rumors out there about the dangers or ineffectiveness of the vaccine. Let’s take a look at some of the common things we all hear about the flu vaccine and separate fact from fiction.

“The flu is just like a bad cold.” – MYTH
Influenza (or the flu) is far more dangerous than a bad cold. It’s a disease of the lungs and it can lead to pneumonia. Each year about 114,000 people are hospitalized in the U.S. and about 20,000 people die because of the flu. Most who die are over 65, but small children under two are as likely as those over 65 to have to go to the hospital because of the flu.

“The shot can give you the flu.” – MYTH
Flu vaccines are made from killed influenza viruses. They cannot give you the flu.

“Even if I get a flu shot, I can still get the flu.” – TRUE
This can happen, but the flu shot usually protects most people from the flu. However, the flu shot will not protect you from other viruses that can cause illnesses that sometimes feel like the flu.

“The vaccine isn’t 100 percent effective, so I’m better off getting the flu.” – MYTH
No vaccine is 100 percent effective. However, if you get a flu shot but still get the flu, you are likely to be far less sick than you would have been without the protection.

“The side effects are worse than the flu.” – MYTH
The worst side effect you’re likely to get is a sore arm. The risk of a rare allergic reaction is far less than the risk of severe complications from influenza.

“Not everyone can take the flu shot.” – TRUE
If you’re allergic to eggs, which are used in making the vaccine, you could become very ill with a high fever. Alternatively, if you’ve had a severe reaction to the flu vaccine in the past, you might not be able to get this protection. Everyone who receives a flu shot is screened for these factors.

“Only the very old and sick need the flu shot.” – MYTH
Both adults and children who are in good health need a flu shot to stay healthy. Even if you aren’t at high risk for complications, you should get a flu shot to prevent the flu and to protect everyone you live and have contact with.

“December is too late to get a flu shot.” – MYTH
The flu shot can be given before or during the flu season. While the best time to get a flu shot is October or November, a flu shot in December or later will still protect you against the flu.

Schedule your flu shot clinic now so that you – and your employees – stay protected. To learn more or to schedule your flu clinic, contact us by phone 302-757-2576 or via e-mail at [email protected].

About Crozer Keystone Staff

Crozer-Keystone Health System’s physicians, specialists and advanced practitioners are committed to improving the health of our community through patient-centered, quality care across a full continuum of health services. Crozer Brinton Lake is Crozer-Keystone’s comprehensive outpatient care facility in western Delaware County, offering primary care, specialty services, outpatient surgery and advanced cancer treatment. Contact us: 300 Evergreen Drive, Glen Mills, PA 19342 http://www.crozerkeystone.org/Brinton-Lake 1-855-254-7425