The Laker/Lutz News

William Russell

Let’s put one myth to bed for good: Vaccines do not cause the flu

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Influenza is so common that sometimes the risk it poses is overlooked. But the truth is, the flu can cause serious illness that leads to hospitalization or even death – especially when the virus is coupled with a significant underlying health condition. Despite the availability of the flu vaccine, some still resist, in some cases falling prey to the misguided notion that the vaccine causes the flu. This is fiction.

“We’ve had influenza vaccines for many years, and the components have been refined and formulations are now safer than ever,” says William Russell, M.D., Managing Partner, Conviva Care Center® Palm Beach. “We continue to push hard to get flu vaccines into the arms of everyone, especially those in a high-risk category.”

Dr. Russell said scientists and doctors continue to learn more about the flu, including its effects on certain age groups. “If you look at the general population, those seniors 86 and above are at the greatest risk and need the vaccination the most,” he said. “COVID technology is relatively new, but the influenza technology has been refined over many, many years. It’s safe and effective and the best way to protect you and your family.”

The reason a person might think they are getting the flu following a flu shot is the natural response of the body’s immune system. “You don’t get the flu from a flu shot, and any symptoms are normally very mild,” said Dr. Russell.

Respiratory viruses can be devastating to older adults, but are largely preventable with immunizations that preserve a good quality of life. “It’s always good to talk to your primary care physician because they know science, and they know you,” said Dr. Russell. “They will help in the decision-making process of which flu vaccine works best for you based on dosage and formulation.”

In Palm Beach, well over 90 percent of at-risk seniors have been vaccinated against COVID-19. Now, well into flu season, Dr. Russell and his team remain on-message that people can receive a COVID-19 vaccination and a flu shot at the same time, without fear of complications or severe side effects.

“Make no mistake about it – Flu A and Flu B are always out there ready and waiting to pounce, so the best defense is to maintain your health by getting a flu shot,” says Dr. Russell. “It’s smart to protect yourself and your family. What we saw during the pandemic was, in many cases, people behaving with incredible responsibility, and we’re hopeful that same behavior carries over as we get further into flu season.”

At Conviva Care Center, the mission is one of service to its senior population. Fulfilling its mission requires living the values and delivering on the promises of doing whatever it takes to make sure patients age well. More than eight million seniors reside in Florida and caring for their unique needs is Conviva’s biggest priority.

Visit ConvivaCareCenters.com.

It’s Time To Get Your Flu Vaccination

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Yearly influenza vaccinations are extremely important because it builds the body’s immune system to respond and fight off viral infection. And getting a flu shot this year takes on added importance because flu and new coronavirus symptoms are nearly identical.

“I recommend yearly vaccinations, but if a person hasn’t had one in a while, this year is the year to do it,” said Steve Lee, M.D., president of the Conviva Physician Group, a physician-led network operating in nine markets in Florida and Texas.

“We specialize in the care of seniors, and since they fall into the high-risk category, I encourage our patients and the general public to get vaccinated to protect against this highly contagious virus,”  he said.

People who receive an annual flu shots normally have very few side effects, unless a new, significantly different strain of vaccine is introduced. Based on epidemiological tracking studies, the human body builds up a substantial immune system response to combat influenza when vaccinations are received annually.

“I encourage everyone not to wait until flu season is in full swing, and to get their vaccinations now,” said Dr. Lee. “Flu seasons varies from temperate to the tropical climates, and a variety of vaccines are available this year,” he said. “It’s important that people check with their primary care doctor, who will advise them on which vaccine they need for the best protection.”

The Center for Disease Control also recommends that the earlier a person receives a flu shot, the better. Immunity to the virus may last up to six months, in most cases. The flu season predictably lasts into late spring, and typically peaks between December and February.

The perception of the effectiveness of flu vaccines has varied over the years. The shift in consciousness toward getting flu shots was uneven at best prior to the outbreak of the H1N1 swine flue in the 1970s. Up to that point, many people were fairly apathetic about getting a flu shot, but the epidemic triggered a rush to receive vaccinations.

“We went from being a very naive population, to a highly immunized population almost overnight,” said William Russell, M.D., managing partner of Conviva Palm Beach.

With a focus on cellular technology, vaccines are now purified to a much higher degree to genetically characterize strains. This indicates a significant improvement in the vaccine’s profile, and provides additional protection and additional choices.

To learn more, visit ConvivaCareCenters.com, or call 1-833-CONVIVA.

Published December 16, 2020