Ask Our Expert: Why it’s important to get a flu vaccination

As cold and flu season approaches, it’s time to take proactive steps to ensure the health and well-being of everyone. Getting a flu vaccination is be the best defense in staying healthy this time of year.

Klaus Ley, MD, founding co-director of the Immunology Center of Georgia, part of the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, emphasizes the significance of getting vaccinated against the flu.

“The flu can have serious consequences and by getting vaccinated, you protect yourself and those around you,” Ley said. “It’s a simple yet effective way to prevent the spread of this contagious virus.”

Flu vaccination is not only a responsible choice but also a crucial step in maintaining public health. The World Health Organization records about 1 billion cases of influenza each year. Severe cases often result in hospitalizations, contributing to up to 650,000 respiratory-related deaths globally.

Worried about potential side effects from the vaccine? Ley said that’s a minor concern compared to the effects of the full-blown flu.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, life-threatening allergic reactions to flu shots are very rare. While severe reactions are uncommon, it’s important to let your health care provider know if you have a history of allergy or severe reaction to vaccines before getting a flu shot.

“Common side effects from a flu shot could include soreness or swelling at the site of the injection, headache, low-grade fever, nausea, muscle aches or fatigue. Those minor side effects are an indication your immune system is responding as it should to the vaccination. You will experience much more severe fever, aches and other symptoms if you catch the flu without being vaccinated against it,” said Ley.

Klaus Ley, MD, is the Georgia Research Alliance Bradley Turner Eminent Scholar in Immunology, founding co-director of the Immunology Center of Georgia, and a professor in the Department of Physiology at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University.

He's available to speak with media regarding flu season and vaccinations - simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.