And now you (and I) know...

So the flu shot story was fun. I got a flu shot while I was there, and except the mild reaction I had to it, it was a good opportunity to get a story and get some errands taken care of. Talk about killing two birds with one stone. I am very excited to work on a long format piece because I always feel like I get too much information, and then I want to stick it all in my piece, and then I end up talking about a thousand miles an hour.

Alexander-Flu.mp3

One thing that I thought was pretty interesting was that the flu virus strain used in the innocculations was different this year than last. There was a buzz among the seniors waiting for their shots, so I decided to ask one of the nurses who was administering the shots what that was about. It turns out, it's a different strain every year, because the flu is a virus and therefore mutates over time. And now I know.

Also, from my subsequent research I learned that if you are having a mild (and key word is definitely mild) reaction to a flu shot, you can combat it with tylenol and lots and lots of fluids. It works wonders. If it is more than a mild reaction, however, you should call your doctor or seek medical help immediately. And now you know.