Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus. It can cause mild to severe illness and sometimes can lead to death.
The flu season in the United States usually starts in October and can last until May, with the peak activity occurring between December and February.
Getting a flu shot is the best way to protect yourself and others from the flu. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know before getting vaccinated.
What is a Flu Shot?
A flu shot is a vaccine that helps to protect you against the flu. The vaccine contains dead or weakened flu viruses that stimulate your immune system to produce antibodies against the flu.
These antibodies will protect you from getting the flu if you are exposed to the virus. Flu shots are safe and effective, and they are the best way to protect yourself from the flu.
Who Should Get a Flu Shot?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone six months of age and older should get a flu shot every year.
It is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting the flu, such as:
- Children under five years of age, particularly those under two years of age
- Adults 65 years of age and older
- Pregnant women
- People with certain medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease
- People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
When to Get a Flu Shot?
The best time to get a flu shot is before the flu season begins. The CDC recommends that people get vaccinated by the end of October.
It takes about two weeks after getting vaccinated for your body to build up enough antibodies to protect against the flu.
However, you can still get vaccinated later in the season, and it can still be beneficial.
How to Get a Flu Shot?
You can get a flu shot from your doctor, at a clinic, or at a pharmacy. Many employers also offer flu shots to their employees.
You do not need an appointment to get a flu shot at most pharmacies. Some pharmacies offer walk-in flu clinics, which allow you to get vaccinated without an appointment.
If you are not sure where to get a flu shot, you can check with your doctor, health department, or local pharmacy.
Types of Flu Shots
There are several types of flu shots available, including:
- Standard flu shot: This is the most common type of flu shot. It is given in the muscle of the upper arm and contains dead flu viruses. It is approved for people six months of age and older.
- High-dose flu shot: This flu shot is designed for people 65 years of age and older. It contains four times the amount of antigen (the part of the vaccine that stimulates the immune system) as the standard flu shot.
- Intradermal flu shot: This flu shot is given into the skin instead of the muscle. It uses a smaller needle than the standard flu shot and is approved for people 18 to 64 years of age.
- Nasal spray flu vaccine: This vaccine is a spray that is given into the nose. It contains weakened live flu viruses and is approved for healthy people two to 49 years of age who are not pregnant.
Side Effects of Flu Shots
Most people do not have any serious side effects from the flu shot. However, some people may experience mild side effects, such as:
- Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site
- Low-grade fever
- Aches
- Headache
These side effects usually go away on their own within a few days. It is important to remember that the flu shot cannot give you the flu, as the vaccine does not contain live viruses.
Who Should Not Get a Flu Shot?
While flu shots are safe for most people, there are some groups of people who should not get a flu shot. These include:
Children younger than six months of age
People with severe allergies to any ingredient in the flu vaccine, including eggs, which are used to grow the viruses used in some vaccines
People who have had a severe allergic reaction to a flu vaccine in the past
People with Guillain-Barré Syndrome, a rare condition that can cause muscle weakness and paralysis
If you have any concerns or questions about getting a flu shot, talk to your doctor.
Flu Shot and COVID-19
In addition to protecting against the flu, getting a flu shot can also help to reduce the burden on healthcare systems that are already overwhelmed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 and the flu share many symptoms, and getting vaccinated against the flu can help to reduce the number of people who need to seek medical care for flu-like symptoms.
It can also help to reduce the number of people who need to be hospitalized for the flu, which can free up hospital beds for COVID-19 patients.
Final Thoughts
Getting a flu shot is the best way to protect yourself and others from the flu. It is safe, effective, and recommended for everyone six months of age and older.
If you are at higher risk of getting the flu, such as children under five years of age, adults 65 years of age and older, pregnant women, and people with certain medical conditions, it is especially important to get vaccinated.
Remember to get vaccinated before the flu season begins, and if you have any concerns or questions, talk to your doctor.
