Get Your Flu Vaccination: Here's Why

If you haven’t already gotten your vaccination for the flu, now’s the time to do so! The CDC recommends that people get a flu vaccine by the end of October, if possible. However, you can still get vaccinated throughout the flu season — even into January.

Why get vaccinated for the flu?

It's better to prevent illness than to treat it later. Instead of waiting for the flu to make its rounds in your community, consider getting vaccinated ahead of time. The CDC suggests that it takes about two weeks for your body to build up antibodies after vaccination, which means the sooner you get the shot, the better protected you'll be against the flu.

Benefits of Getting Vaccinated for Flu

• Reduces your risk of flu-associated hospitalization

• Is an important preventive tool for people who have chronic health conditions (examples: diabetes, lung disease, etc.)

• Helps protect pregnant women (both during and after pregnancy)

• Can also protect unborn babies from flu

• Can reduce symptoms if you do get sick

• Protects those around you from getting sick, particularly those with weakened/compromised immune systems (ex: babies, the elderly, people with chronic health conditions, etc.)

Common Cold vs. Flu – What’s the Difference?

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, and the common cold are both illnesses caused by viruses, yet they stem from different viral agents. Although they share some similar symptoms, such as coughing and a runny nose, the flu typically strikes suddenly and is accompanied by more intense symptoms. Understanding these distinctions can help individuals better recognize their symptoms and seek appropriate care when necessary.

Typical Symptoms of Flu

• Fever/chills

• Headache

• Muscle aches

• Weakness

• Cold-like symptoms: Cough, sore throat, runny/stuffy nose.

The common cold shares many symptoms with the flu, but typically, these symptoms are less severe and develop more gradually. While both illnesses generally resolve on their own in individuals with healthy immune systems, it's important to recognize that influenza can lead to serious complications, particularly in those who fall into high-risk categories, such as the elderly, young children, or individuals with pre-existing health conditions. This distinction highlights the need for awareness and caution, especially during flu season, as what may start as a mild cold could escalate into something more serious for vulnerable populations.

Treatment for the Flu

Unlike the common cold (which has no test), the flu can be diagnosed by a simple nasal swab. If detected via nasal swab, within 48 hours of symptom onset, treatment for the flu includes:

antiviral medication (Tamiflu)

• Supportive treatment with fluids

• Rest

• Anti-inflammatory medication

• Cough suppressants

Types of Flu Shots

Even though there is a nasal spray vaccine that is FDA approved, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that the nasal spray vaccine should NOT be used during the 2017-2018 season. Only injectable flu shots are recommended at this time.

There are several injectable options available, some of which protect against three flu viruses while some protect against four flu viruses:

• Standard dose flu shots

• High-dose shots (for people 65+ years of age)*

• Shots made with adjuvant (for people 65+ years of age)*

• Shots made with virus grown in cell culture

• Shots made using a vaccine production technology that doesn’t require the use of flu virus

*The CDC does not have a preference for the type of flu shot patients over 65 years-old should receive, but they do recommend a flu shot for everyone over the age of 65.

Standard Age Range for Vaccination

The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older get a seasonal flu vaccine.Children 6 months through 8 years-old generally require two doses of vaccine the first year that they are immunized. Children who are 9 years-old or older receive one flu shot.

When to Seek Emergency Care

You should head to the emergency room if you experience any of the following while you have the flu:

• Difficulty breathing

• Chest/abdominal pain

• Dizziness

• Confusion

• Severe vomiting

• High fevers

• Worsening of flu symptoms

Signs of Serious Symptoms in Children

• Irritability

• Inability to eat/drink fluids

• Having no tears when crying

• Less wet diapers (signs of dehydration)

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Where to Go for Care

Occasionally, despite your best efforts, you may contract cold or flu. In the event that your symptoms warrant a trip to the doctor’s office, it’s important to know where to get care.

Schedule with your primary care provider for most mild symptoms of cold and flu.

Locate a primary care provider near you.

In the event that you need to visit a health care facility after hours, urgent care is a great choice for mild to moderate symptoms of cold and flu.

Find the urgent care location nearest to you.

Rarely, viral symptoms could lead to trouble breathing, chest pain or severe dehydration. In the case of life-threatening symptoms, emergency care is the best choice.

Find the emergency department located nearest to you.