Flu Shot

The Flu Shot

Unsure about getting a flu shot this year? This data may change your mind: Between 2010 and 2025, CDC estimates that the flu caused 9.4 million–51 million illnesses, 120,000–710,000 hospitalizations, and 6,300–52,000 deaths annually.

The flu can cause fever and chills, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, cough, headache, and runny or stuffy nose. Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults. Flu-related complications include pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, and ear infections. And if you have heart disease, cancer, or diabetes, the flu can make these conditions worse.

Before flu season gets into full swing, Sue Stone, RN, MPH, CIC, Infection Prevention director at Montefiore Nyack Hospital, wants you to know the facts about the shot and why it’s strongly recommended.

The season

The flu shot is an annual vaccine that protects against the flu. Flu season typically occurs between October and May and protects against both flu A and B for that season. The yearly vaccine is determined by previous strains circulating and the likelihood those strains will continue to circulate during the upcoming flu season. Because it takes 2 weeks for protection to develop after vaccination, Sue advises getting your shot well before people start getting the flu. It is recommended to receive the flu vaccine by the end of October, she says.

Who is most at risk?

Anyone can get the flu, which is why the flu vaccine is recommended for everyone over 6 months old.

Minor flu symptoms for a healthy individual may not seem like a big deal at the time but could cause significant illness to our loved ones who are vulnerable, says Sue. Vulnerable groups include infants and young children, people 65 years and older, pregnant women, and people with certain health conditions or a weakened immune system, who are at greatest risk of flu complications.

Can I get the flu even if I get vaccinated?

Some people who get vaccinated may still get sick with flu. However, Sue says that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get vaccinated. Flu vaccination has been shown in studies to reduce severity of illness in people who get vaccinated but still get sick, she says.

Sue notes that some folks may not be eligible for the shot because of certain underlying conditions, allergies, or health issues.

Vaccination is not advised for patients with an anaphylactic allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine, Sue explains. Caution is urged for individuals with a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) within 6 weeks following a previous influenza immunization. Some individuals with immunosuppressive medications and conditions should seek their providers’ recommendations.

Stop the spread

Getting vaccinated is only one piece of the puzzle in staying healthy this flu season. Sue offers the following tips on how you can keep yourself and your loved ones safe from getting sick:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer, especially when shopping or away from home.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • If you are sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep them from getting sick.
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
  • Consider wearing a mask to protect yourself and others.

 

If you do become ill with the flu, especially people at higher risk of serious flu illness, seek medical attention, Sue advises. If your doctor prescribes flu antiviral drugs, this can make flu illness milder and shorten the time you are sick.

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