Flu season starts in October and it can last through May. The flu activity during flu season often peaks between December and February. It is possible to get the flu between May and September, however, it is much more common during flu season.
When a person develops the flu, they can be laid up for a week or longer. The symptoms of the flu can be very severe. The most common symptoms include:
- A high fever (101 or higher)
- A dry cough
- Severe fatigue
- Muscle aches
- A stuffy or a runny nose
- A sore throat
In some cases, the flu can cause serious complications such as pneumonia, that can lead to hospitalization. Because the flu is so serious, it is important that people take the necessary steps to avoid getting it. A person's best defense against the flu is to get the flu vaccine every year.
What Type of Flu Shots Are Available?
There are two major types of flu vaccines available today. Trivalent vaccines contain three components that work to fight against the flu. Other vaccines available contain four components. The type of flu shot that a person requires would depend on their age and their health.
The types of trivalent vaccines include:
- Standard-dose vaccines: The standard dose vaccine is recommended for people between the ages of 18 and 64 years old. This vaccine is given in the muscle of the arm with a needle.
- High-dose vaccines: The high-dose vaccine contains more of the active agent and it is recommended for people who are 65 years of age or older. As a person ages, their immune system weakens, therefore, they would need a stronger shot. The high-dose vaccine is also recommended for anyone whose immune system is compromised.
- Recombinant trivalent vaccine: This vaccine is egg-free, therefore, it is recommended for anyone who is 18 years of age or older and has an egg allergy. It is also recommended for pregnant women.
- Trivalent vaccine with adjuvant: This vaccine is new as of the 2017-2018 flu season. The active ingredient in this vaccine creates a stronger immune response in a person's body. This vaccine is recommended for people who are 65 years of age or older.
The types of vaccines that contain four components include:
- Flu vaccine: This vaccine is recommended for people in various age groups. Children as young as 6 months old can receive this vaccine.
- Intradermal vaccine: Unlike the other types of vaccines, this one is injected into the skin rather than in the muscle. It also uses a much smaller needle. This vaccine is recommended for people between 18 and 64 years old who have a fear of needles.
- Recombinant flu vaccine: This is another vaccine that is egg free. It is approved for people 18 years of age or older who have an egg allergy. It is also recommended for pregnant women.
Flu Facts and Flu Vaccine FAQS: What Everyone Should Know
Q: How often does a person need to get the flu vaccine?
A: A person should be vaccinated every year for two reasons. First, the flu strain is different each year. There are also a few different strains that go around. In order for a person to be protected, they will need the vaccine designed to fight the current year's virus. Also, flu shots don't last forever. In most cases, the effects of the vaccine wear off between 9 and 10 months. When flu season comes around again, last year's vaccine won't be effective.
Q: Can the flu vaccine cause a person to develop the flu?
A: The flu vaccines available today cannot cause the flu because they don't contain the active flu virus. If there is no flu virus in the vaccine, a person cannot develop the flu.
Q: What are the side effects of the flu shot?
A: The side effects of the flu shot are typically very mild. If the individual received a muscular shot with a jet injector, the areas can be red and sore for a few days after receiving the shot. A shot injected into the skin often doesn't cause any side effects. While the flu shot cannot cause the flu, it can create mild flu symptoms such as low-grade fever (up to 100) and mild fatigue. The symptoms of the flu vaccine often last for just 24 hours.
Q: Is there a flu vaccine that doesn't require a needle?
A: For years, there was a nasal flu vaccine available. The vaccine is in a liquid form and it would be sprayed into the patient's nose. This vaccine was not recommended for small children, pregnant women, the elderly, and anyone who has a compromised immune system. It was also not recommended for patients who suffer from asthma. The vaccine itself contained a live virus, however, it wasn't enough to cause a person to develop the flu. The nasal flu vaccine was not available during the 2017-2018 flu season. This was the first year that it was not given. It is unknown if this type of vaccine will be available in the future.
Q: How effective is the flu vaccine?
A: There is no right answer to this question because the it can change from year to year. For example, the CDC has stated that the 2017-2018 flu vaccine is only 17 percent effective against the H3N2 strain. This is the strain that has caused 80 percent of the season's flu cases. This can change from year to year. While the flu vaccine is not 100 percent effective, it is still important the people are vaccinated each year.
Q: Where can a person get the flu vaccine?
A: There are plenty of places where a person can get the flu vaccine. A person can visit their primary care physician for the shot. There are also many walk-in clinics who offer the flu shot. Most of the large chain pharmacies offer the flu vaccine and a person can get the flu vaccine on a walk-in basis. Finally, many people can get the flu vaccine at their school or their workplace. Schools and businesses offer the flu shot so that there isn't a major outbreak that can result in students missing school and employees calling out of work.
Q: When should a person be vaccinated?
A: As mentioned above, a person should be vaccinated every year. According the the Center For Disease Control (CDC), it is best to get the flu shot early. The best time to get the vaccine is before the end of October. It is best to be protected before flu season reaches its peak.
Q: Besides being vaccinated, how else can a person avoid getting the flu?
A: While getting the flu vaccine is the best way to prevent getting the flu, there are additional steps that a person can take to keep from getting sick.
- A person should wash their hands often. The flu virus can live on a hard surface for up to 24 hours. It can life on soft surfaces such as tissues for up to 15 minutes. If a person cannot get to a sink to wash their hands as often as they would like, they can keep a small bottle of hand sanitizer with them. This is just as effective as washing their hands.
- Sleep is important when it comes to avoiding the flu. When an individual doesn't get enough sleep, it can weaken their immune system making them more susceptible to developing the flu.
- It is important to stay away from people that are sick. They can easily pass the flu to others when they cough or sneeze. After coming into contact with a sick person, the individual should wash their hands immediately.
Q: Is there a cure for the flu?
A: There is no cure for the flu. There is, however, a medication available called Tamiflu. This medication won't cure the flu but it will lessen the duration that the person has the illness. This medication can only be prescribed by a doctor. Also, in order for a person to benefit from this medication, they would need to start taking it within a day or two of the onset of their symptoms. If the individual waits too long to see the doctor, the medication will be worthless.
Q: How can a person treat the flu at home?
A: There are plenty of over the counter medications that can help with the symptoms of the flu. A fever reducer, a cough medicine, and a nasal spray can make a person feel better when their symptoms are at their peak. Also, it is important to stay hydrated when a person has the flu. Finally, the individual should get plenty of rest. Their body needs all of its energy to fight off the flu, therefore, staying in bed for the first few days after the symptoms begin is important.
The flu is a very contagious disease and it the symptoms can make a person feel miserable. It can also result in serious complications. Fortunately, there are ways that a person can avoid getting the flu and it starts with the flu vaccine.
