Consumer Reports: Effective Flu Prevention

With flu season around the corner, Consumer Reports says it’s best to get vaccinated as early as possible. The standard vaccine is now free, without a co-pay or deductible.

The vaccine prevents illness about 80 percent of the time for those 60 and younger, and about half the time for those 65 and up. But even if you do get sick after the vaccine, your symptoms are usually milder.

For the broadest protection, Consumer Reports says consider the new quadrivalent vaccine over the standard trivalent type.

The trivalent vaccine protects against three strains of the flu virus, and the quadrivalent vaccine protects against four. But if that vaccine isn’t covered under your insurance policy, you’ll have to pay about $38 out of pocket.

The FluMist spray is better protection than a shot for children between the ages of 2 and 8. But they may need a second dose a month later.

The nasal spray is made of a weakened but still active live virus, so it shouldn’t be given to people with a poor immune system or their caregivers, pregnant women, or anyone 50 and up.

If you do feel the flu coming on, ask your doctor within the first day or two about prescribing antiviral drugs.

Consumer Reports says if taken early, drugs like Tamiflu and Relenza can ease flu symptoms and reduce complications like pneumonia.

It’s easier than ever to get vaccinated because many places other than doctors’ offices and pharmacies—for instance, churches, airports and community centers—have experienced staff trained in administering the vaccine.

You can get a list of locations at the website vaccines.gov. Click on the tab “Getting Vaccinated” and type in your ZIP code. But do call ahead to make sure that they have the vaccine you want.

Complete Ratings and recommendations on all kinds of products, including appliances, cars & trucks, and electronic gear, are available on Consumer Reportswebsite.
 

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