Influenza (“flu”) is a contagious disease that spreads across the U.S. every winter, usually between October and May. Flu is caused by the influenza virus, and can be spread by coughing, sneezing, and close contact. Anyone can get flu, but the risk is highest among children. Symptoms come on suddenly and may last several days. They can include:
- fever/chills
- sore throat
- muscle aches
- fatigue
- cough
- headache
- runny or stuffy nose
Flu can make some people much sicker than others. These people include young children, people age 65 and older, pregnant women, and people with certain health conditions, such as heart, lung or kidney disease, or a weakened immune system. Flu vaccine is especially important for these people, and anyone in close contact with them.
Flu can also lead to pneumonia, and can make existing medical conditions worse. It can cause diarrhea and seizures in children.
Each year thousands of people in the U.S. die from flu, and many more are hospitalized. Flu vaccine is the best protection we have from flu and its complications. Flu vaccine also helps prevent spreading flu from person to person.
There are two types of influenza vaccine. The first is an inactivated flu vaccine, which does not contain any live influenza virus. It is given by injection with a needle, and is often called the “flu shot.” A different, live, attenuated (weakened) influenza vaccine is sprayed into the nostrils. Your doctor can tell you which one you and each family member should receive.
Flu vaccine is recommended every year. Children 6 months through 8 years of age should get two doses the first year they get vaccinated.
Flu viruses are always changing. Each year’s flu vaccine is made to protect from viruses that are most likely to cause disease that year. While flu vaccine cannot prevent all cases of flu, it is our best defense against the disease.
Inactivated flu vaccine protects against three or four different influenza viruses. It takes about 2 weeks for protection to develop after the vaccination, and protection lasts several months to a year.
Some illnesses that are not caused by influenza virus are often mistaken for flu. Flu vaccine will not prevent these illnesses. It can only prevent influenza.
A “high-dose” flu vaccine is available for people 65 years of age and older. If you are in this age group, talk with your doctor about whether you should receive this vaccine.
There are some people who should not receive the flu vaccine due to health conditions. For most people, it’s a smart move. Consult with your doctor about whether the flu shot it right for you and your family members.
—Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Good Neighbor Pharmacy Health Connection, September 2014
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