Flu season is in full swing and now is still a good time to get vaccinated! Getting the flu vaccine is an act of love for yourself, for your loved ones, and for your community. It’s generally recommended to get the flu vaccine (like the flu shot) every year in the fall and into the winter months. Did you know that you can get the COVID-19 booster vaccine and the flu vaccine safely at the same time?
What is the flu?
Influenza, also called the flu, is a respiratory illness caused by influenza A or B viruses. It is a highly contagious illness that affects children and adults of any age and usually occurs in the winter months. The virus usually changes ( or “mutates”) variably from year to year, which is why getting a yearly flu vaccine (flu shot) is extremely important!
What are symptoms of the flu?
Symptoms of the flu can look a lot like the common cold and each person’s symptoms may be a little different. Symptoms usually include:
Fever (temperature greater than 100.4 F)
Headaches and body aches
Fatigue (Tiredness) which can be mild to severe
Cough and sore throat
While symptoms of the flu can be different from person to person, serious illness requiring hospitalization more likely occurs in young children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with existing respiratory or lung diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or weakened immune systems. One of the most common complications of the flu is pneumonia, an infection of the lungs.
How long does the flu last?
People with the flu usually have fevers for 2-5 days, whereas in the common cold, fevers usually last 1-2 days. Similarly, while cold-like symptoms due to the flu usually clear up after 2-5 days, weakness and fatigue can last for several weeks.
How can I avoid getting the flu?
The best way to lessen your chances of getting the flu is to get the flu vaccine. You can get a flu shot at most local pharmacies or from your nurse or doctor. Most places take insurance like medicaid to cover the cost of the flu vaccine. Getting the flu shot without insurance depends on where you go and the kind of shot you need, but it typically ranges from $25 to $110.
It’s important to note that while there is a nasal spray vaccine option, it is only approved for healthy children ages 2 or above and healthy adults up to age 49. If you live or are around people that are at high risk, it is not recommended to get the nasal spray as a vaccine option.
It is recommended that all people six months and older get vaccinated on a yearly basis. It is especially important for :
Adults 50 and older
People in nursing homes or assisted living facilities
People with chronic diseases such as diabetes, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), kidney disease, or compromised immune systems
People who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant
Anyone who may be able to transmit the flu to the high risk individuals above.
Will the flu vaccine make me sick?
Some common side effects of the vaccine can include soreness, swelling, or redness at the injection side. Body aches, headaches, and low grade fevers can also happen, but they usually are mild and ease off within 24-48 hours.
Tensing up your muscle when the shot is being given can increase the likelihood for soreness. Take deep slow breaths to relax your body and look away if you're afraid of shots. Move your arm! This can increase blood flow around the area. But avoid heavy lifting for a couple of days.
You can take a pain reliever like an NSAID ( ibuprofen) if pain persists, but be careful if you have an existing kidney disease.
It’s also important to note that the vaccine has NOT shown to increase the risk of birth defects or miscarriages.
When should I get the flu vaccine?
You can get the vaccine now and anytime during the winter months. There are several types of flu vaccines and if you have questions about which option is best for you or if you are at higher risk, it is important to have a conversation with your primary health care provider. It’s important to note that while there is a nasal spray vaccine option, it is only approved for healthy children ages 2 or above and healthy adults up to age 49. If you live or are around people that are at high risk, it is not recommended to get the nasal spray as a vaccine option.
Where can I get a flu shot?
It varies depending on where you live but most US city and state department of health websites will have info about where you can get free vaccines and if you need to make an appointment or not.
If you have insurance, most pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens are able to give you the vaccine with an appointment.
