Influenza is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization or even death. Getting a flu shot every year can protect you and your family from the flu and its complications.
It is recommended that everyone 6-months and older get a flu shot. Infants less than 6-months old cannot get a flu shot. These infants can be protected if those in contact with them get a flu shot.
Talk to your primary care provider (PCP) about when flu shots are available. The flu viruses are always changing. That is why getting a flu shot each year is important. Last year's flu shot may not protect you.
The flu can affect anyone. Certain people have a higher health risk from the flu.
Pregnant women, elderly adults and young children are more at risk to the harmful effects of flu. People who have chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease also have a greater risk from flu.
Children less than 5-years-old are at higher risk of serious flu complications.
Flu shots are used to prevent illness, not treat it. It takes two weeks for the flu shot to give you protection from the flu. People who are currently sick with fever should wait to get a flu shot. Those who are allergic to eggs or who have had an allergic reaction to past flu shots should not get a flu shot.
It is best to get your flu shots from your medical home. But you could also go to a local health department or pharmacy to get a flu shot.
The flu shot cannot give you the flu. Most people do not experience side effects from flu shots. When they do, the side effects are mild. The most common side effect is redness, tenderness or swelling where the injection was given.
The nasal flu spray is an option for healthy people ages 2-49. Pregnant women, people with chronic conditions or children ages 2-4 with a history or wheezing should not get a nasal flu spray.
Source: American Academy of Family Physicians
