The Flu, The Vaccine, and You
Flu season is here! Below we cover common symptoms, treatment, and prevention.
So, what exactly is the flu (influenza)?
The flu, or influenza, is a contagious respiratory illness that is caused by flu viruses, and it infects the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. The flu is different from the common cold. It can cause mild to severe illness, and, in some instances, it can result in death.
Patients who have the flu typically experience fever, cough, sore throat, chills, runny nose, body aches, headaches, and tiredness. Young children, older adults, and people with chronic health conditions are at a higher risk for flu complications.
The flu vaccine has been shown to reduce flu related illnesses as well as the risk of serious complications from the flu. The CDC also recommends preventative actions that you can take every day to prevent the flu. These actions include covering coughs and sneezes, washing your hands frequently, and staying away from people who are sick.
What are symptoms of the flu?
Fever* or feeling feverish/chills
Cough
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Muscle or body aches
Headache
Fatigue (tiredness)
Some people may have nausea or diarrhea, but this is more common in children than adults
*Remember, not everyone who has the flu will have a fever.
What is the flu vaccine?
The flu vaccine or “flu shot” is an inactivated vaccine, which means the strains included in the vaccine have been killed. The nasal spray flu vaccine is a live-attenuated vaccine, which means that even though it contains live viruses, the viruses have been weakened. The flu vaccine can contain either 3 or 4 virus strains. The trivalent flu vaccine contains 3 strains of flu virus whereas the quadrivalent flu vaccine contains 4 strains of flu virus.
When should I get vaccinated?
Flu season typically runs from October to May, with a majority of flu cases happening from late December to early March. The flu vaccine is usually offered as early as September.
You should get the flu vaccine before the flu begins spreading in your community. The flu vaccine takes about two weeks before it is effective, which is why it’s important to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
Why do I need a flu vaccine every year?
A flu vaccine is needed every season for two reasons. First, your body’s immune response to the vaccine declines over time. So, it’s important that you get a vaccine each year for the best protection against the flu.
Second, flu viruses are constantly changing, so the formulation of the flu vaccine is reviewed each year and changed as needed to keep up with the changing virus strains.
Can I get the flu even though I got a flu shot?
Yes, you can still get sick with the flu even if you got your flu shot. There are a few reasons that you can get the flu despite getting your flu shot:
You may be exposed to a flu virus shortly before getting vaccinated or during the period it takes for the body to build protection after getting your flu shot. Remember, it typically takes about two weeks after getting your flu shot for your body to build protection against the flu.
You may be exposed to a flu virus that was not included in the seasonal flu vaccine. Many different flu viruses circulate each year, and typically four of the most common strains are included in the flu shot.
Even after receiving the flu shot, you may become infected with a flu virus that the flu vaccine was designed to protect you against. Protection provided by the flu shot can vary mainly due to health and age factors. A flu vaccine tends to work best in healthy, younger adults and older children. Although the flu vaccine is not perfect, it is still the best way to protect you against the flu.
How is the flu diagnosed and treated?
Most people with the flu have mild illness and don’t need medical care or antiviral medications. If you get very sick, are pregnant, at high risk of flu-related complications, or are 65 years or older, you should call your doctor.
It is difficult to distinguish the flu from other respiratory infections based on symptoms alone. However, if you think you may have the flu, you can visit your doctor’s office or urgent care center and they can test for the flu. Keep in mind, not all doctor’s offices or urgent centers are able to test for the flu, so it is important that you check before you go.
If you have been experiencing flu symptoms for 48 hours or less, and you are diagnosed with the flu, then your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication.
Still have questions about the flu shot? Stop into your nearest Walberg Family Pharmacy today and talk to your pharmacist about the flu vaccine! See our locations here.
We can administer the flu vaccine to individuals 3 years of age and older. Vaccines are subject to availability. State-, age-, and health-related restrictions may apply.
You can also view a list of other vaccines offered at our pharmacies here.
References:
1. https://www.cdc.gov/ncird/index.html
2. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/keyfacts.htm
3. https://www.pharmacytimes.com/publications/issue/2001/2001-10/2001-10-6817
4. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/treatment/takingcare.htm