Fall brings cooler weather, football games, changing leaves, and plenty of opportunities to gather with family and friends. Unfortunately, it also brings something else with it: flu season.
Influenza, commonly called the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness that can cause fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, and fatigue. For some people, the flu means several miserable days of feeling sick. For others, especially those at higher risk, it can lead to serious complications or hospitalization.
That’s why getting your annual flu shot is an important part of preparing for the fall and winter months.
The Flu Shot Can Lower Your Risk
Getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of influenza and its potentially serious complications.
No vaccine provides complete protection, so it is still possible to get the flu after being vaccinated. However, flu vaccination can reduce your chances of becoming sick and can help reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalization if you do get influenza.
Flu viruses also change over time. The vaccine is reviewed each year and updated as needed to better match the influenza viruses expected to circulate. Protection from vaccination can decrease over time as well, which is why a flu vaccine is recommended each season.
The Flu Can Be More Serious Than You Think
It’s easy to think of the flu as simply a bad cold, but influenza can be much more serious.
Complications can include pneumonia, sinus or ear infections, and worsening of existing health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, kidney disease, or heart disease. In severe cases, influenza can affect other parts of the body and may require hospitalization.
Certain people are at greater risk of developing serious flu complications, including:
- Adults age 65 and older
- Young children
- Pregnant women
- People with weakened immune systems
- People with certain chronic medical conditions
However, healthy people can get the flu and experience serious illness too. That’s one reason annual flu vaccination is recommended for nearly everyone age 6 months and older.
Vaccination isn’t only about protecting yourself, either. Reducing your chances of getting sick can also help protect family members, friends, coworkers, and others in the community who may be more vulnerable to serious illness.
Can the Flu Shot Give You the Flu?
No. A flu shot cannot give you influenza.
This is one of the most common questions we hear about flu vaccination.
Some people experience temporary soreness where the shot was given, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, or a low-grade fever afterward. These side effects are generally mild and short lived.
It’s also important to remember that protection doesn’t happen immediately. It typically takes about two weeks after vaccination for your body to develop its immune response.
That’s another reason it’s helpful to get vaccinated before flu activity increases in your community.
When Should You Get Your Flu Shot?
For most people, September and October are good times to receive a flu vaccine. However, if you haven’t received your flu shot by then, don’t assume you’ve missed your opportunity.
Vaccination can still be beneficial later in the season while influenza viruses are circulating.
Annual flu vaccination is recommended for everyone age 6 months and older, with rare exceptions, but the best vaccine and timing can vary depending on the individual.
Age, pregnancy, health conditions, medications, vaccination history, and other factors can affect which flu vaccine is appropriate for you.
Adults age 65 and older, for example, have certain flu vaccines that are preferentially recommended for their age group.
Not sure which flu vaccine you need? Ask us. One of our pharmacists can help determine which option is appropriate for you.
Make It Easy on Yourself
Getting your flu shot doesn’t have to mean adding another complicated appointment to your calendar.
At Yale Drug, you can take care of your flu vaccination while you’re already out running errands or stopping by the pharmacy for your prescriptions.
No appointment needed.
If you have questions about the flu vaccine, previous vaccine reactions, your medications, or whether vaccination is appropriate for you, talk with one of our pharmacists before receiving your shot.
A Simple Step Toward a Healthier Fall
Vaccination is only one part of staying healthy during flu season. Everyday habits can also help reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses.
Wash your hands regularly, cover coughs and sneezes, avoid close contact with people who are sick when possible, and stay home when you’re sick to help prevent spreading illness to others.
Most importantly, don’t wait until the flu is already making its way through your family, workplace, or community to start thinking about vaccination.
Getting your flu shot is a simple step you can take now to help reduce your risk of influenza and its potentially serious complications.
Stop by Yale Drug for your flu shot. No appointment needed.
Have questions about the flu vaccine or which vaccine is appropriate for you? Ask one of our pharmacists. We’re happy to help.
This article is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Talk with your pharmacist, physician, or other healthcare professional about vaccination recommendations specific to you.
