Flu season questions and answers
What is the flu? The flu is the common name for influenza, a contagious viral disease that affects the
airways. There are 4 types of flu viruses: A, B, C, and D but A and B cause most of the infection in human.
What are the common signs and symptoms? Feeling unwell, fatigue, upper respiratory symptoms like
sneezing, runny nose, cough, headache, sore throat, body aches, joint pain, etc.
How can it be prevented? Primary prevention with vaccination remains the best and most effective way to prevent flu.
2023-2024 flu season. The flu season commonly begins in the fall through Spring (August-March).
When should I take the flu vaccine? The CDC recommends taking your flu vaccine from the last quarter of the year, Oct-Dec period.
Are there different types of flu vaccine? Yes, there are the live flu vaccine which contains live flu virus,
and one that contains weakened vaccine and a third type which is manufactured using recombinant
technology.
Are all flu vaccines the same strength? No, all flu vaccines are not the same strength. There are the
standard-dose and the high-dose flu vaccines. The high-dose flu vaccines are preferentially
recommended for persons 65 years and older. They include Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent vaccine,
Flublok Quadrivalent recombinant flu vaccine or Fluad Quadrivalent adjuvanted flu vaccine (CDC, 2023). All other persons eligible to receive the flu vaccine can take the standard or high dose
How is the flu vaccine given? Live flu vaccines are usually given by nasal spray to persons ages 2-49. The weakened and recombinant flu vaccines are given into the muscle (commonly given into the muscle over the deltoid area. This site is convenient, but it can be taken at other sites where there’s adequate muscle tissue).
Is the flu vaccine for everyone? No, it is recommended for persons ages 6 month and above.
How effectiveness are flu vaccines? The CDC reports an effectiveness rate of 40-70% for the 2022-2023 flu season. This is the reason some people still get sick despite having received the flu shot. It is not 100% protective.
I have egg allergy. Can I still take the flu vaccine? The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices
(ACIP) recommends that people with egg allergy can still take the flu vaccine.
What are the common side effects of flu vaccines? soreness at the injection site, body aches, fatigue,
headaches (CDC). Are there any contraindications to receiving the flu vaccine? Yes. These include previous severe reaction to flu vaccine or any component of the vaccine. Children below 6 months of age should not receive the vaccine. If you have had or have Guillain-Barre syndrome, you should talk to your doctor before taking the flu vaccine.
The free rider: I often hear patients say, “I do not get the flu vaccine and I have never had the flu. I do
not need the vaccine.” Good. In public health, there is what we call the “free rider.” This is the individual
who does not receive the flu vaccine and does not get sick due to protection by the community immunity. The higher the number persons who receive the flu vaccine, the higher the overall community immunity, so, the “free rider” benefits without contributing to this herd immunity. It is good to contribute to the community immunity. When you receive the flu vaccine, you contribute to the collective strength of your community so less people get sick. It is good to help protect others and not continue to be a “free rider.” Your vaccinated status helps to prevent flu illness, hospitalizations, and unwanted outcomes, including death!
How is flu illness treated? If you start having symptoms of flu, get evaluated by your doctor early as
treatment with antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu can help reduce the severity if started within 48 hours,
otherwise treatment is symptomatic and supportive. You can take OTC meds like Tylenol, cough
medication, rest, adequate fluid intake, multivitamin, Vitamin C, zinc, etc.
I have been exposed to flu. Is there preventive? Yes, Tamiflu can be prescribed to take
daily for 7 days following the last know exposure.
Is it true that Flu vaccines can cause Guillain-Barre Syndrome? Yes, the CDC reports 1 0r 2 persons in a
million have been reported to get Guillain-Barre Syndrome.
What are other possible serious consequences of flu infection? You can become very sick needing
hospitalization, and some people die from it.
Where can I get more information about the flu and flu vaccines? You can get more information on the flu from the CDC website.
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Seasonal flu vaccines. 2023.
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/flushot.htm#:~:text=Common%20side%20effects%20from%20a,in
jections%2C%20can%20occasionally%20cause%20fainting.