The flu season is upon us. Should you get the vaccine?

FSHD patients may be concerned about the effect of injections on their muscles, and others worry about exposure to chemicals in vaccines, but FSHD medical experts agree that any potential risk is greatly outweighed by the benefits. “Please encourage them to all get the flu shot,” said Kathryn Wagner, MD PhD, of the Kennedy Krieger Institute. Older patients and anyone with respiratory issues should especially get immunized against flu and also pneumonia.

Remember, in the U.S. there are 80,000 deaths a year from influenza and 50,000 a year from pneumonia. The risk of adverse reactions to the flu vaccine are on the order of one in a million, or roughly 300 cases, and deaths from taking the flu shot are lower still.

This U.S. News and World Report column answers common questions people have about the flu vaccine: Every Concern You Have About the Flu Shot – Answered.

The Centers for Disease Control has issued this useful reference on Misconceptions about Seasonal Flu and Flu Vaccine. and on Flu Vaccine Safety.

This Medical News Today story addresses consumers’ concerns about chemicals that are added to some vaccines: What are flu vaccines made of and why?