Thursday, October 6, 2011

If you have hepatitis C, should you get a flu shot?

The Sick Girl By Felix Vallotton


It feels like fall this afternoon in Michigan folks. I just came home from a doctors appointment, and yes, I got my flu shot. According to the CDC the majority of people who come down with the flu will only have a mild case, however, as we know people with liver disease have a higher chance of flu complications. Infections can have a severe impact on the liver, especially in liver transplant recipients and in people with cirrhosis.

The earlier in the flu season you are vaccinated the better. The flu season begins in October, however the CDC began urging citizens to get their flu shot early, in fact in September they initiated a campaign called “Flu End with U”. The campaign was aimed at eliminating the myths and fears that some people may have about the flu vaccine.

More from Hepatitis C Trust and the CDC
Rena K. Fox, MD

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