Valley doctor says it’s time to get the flu shot

PHOENIX — A Valley doctor says there’s no better time than the present to get the flu shot.

“If you’re going to get the injections, get them at the end of September, beginning of October to give you best protection against it,” Dr. Mark P. Siegel told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Friday.

With 28 years’ worth of medical practice in Phoenix, Siegel believes the benefits of the flu shot far out way the risks. But he recommends a flu shot earlier rather than later. He says it takes two weeks to get into your system.

“What we hope for is that when the immunizations come out they cover the viruses the best they can that will be coming through flu season and that doesn’t always hit exactly right,” Siegel said. “A lot of the questions people ask is, can I get the flu if I get the shot?”

The answer is yes.

Siegel says that reason is because sometimes they miss some of the viruses in the injection that could be coming through. Because of that, you can get the flu with a shot in your system.

He believes the only viable reason to not get a flu shot is an allergic reaction.

“If you have breathing problems, shortness of breath, then we don’t think it would probably be the benefit of everybody because the risks outweigh the benefits,” Siegel said.

But for those who haven’t gotten one in years?

“You should be fine getting your flu shot and you shouldn’t get a reaction from it,” Siegel said. “It’s just a little localized to the shot itself. But some people can get the flu like symptoms of fatigue afterwards.”

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