The Basics
Everyone age 6 months and older needs to get a flu shot (vaccine) every year. The seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and others from the flu.
For many people, the seasonal flu is a mild illness. But for some people, the flu can lead to:
- Serious infections like pneumonia (“noo-MOHN-yah”)
- Hospitalization
- Death
The flu spreads easily from person to person. When you get the flu shot, you don’t just protect yourself – you also protect the people around you.
The Basics
What is the flu?
The flu is caused by a virus that infects your nose, throat, and lungs. It’s easily spread from person to person.
Symptoms of the flu include:
- High fever
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle aches
The Basics
Am I at high risk for complications from the flu?
For some people, the flu is more likely to lead to serious illness. If you are at high risk from the flu, get a flu shot as early as you can each year. Groups at high risk from the flu include:
If you spend time with someone at high risk from the flu, you can help protect both of you by getting a flu shot.
The Basics
When should I get the seasonal flu shot?
Get the flu shot as soon as it’s available in your community each year. After you get the shot, it takes about 2 weeks for your body to develop protection against the flu. That’s why it’s a good idea to get the vaccine before flu season starts.
Flu season can be different from year to year. It can start as early as October and last as late as May.
Can I get the nasal (nose) spray instead of the shot?
The flu vaccine can be given in a nasal spray or a shot. You may get the nasal spray if you:
- Are between ages 2 and 49
- Aren’t pregnant
- Don’t have certain health conditions, like asthma or diabetes
The Basics
Are there any side effects from the seasonal flu vaccine?
Some people may have mild side effects. These side effects begin soon after the vaccine is given and usually last 1 to 2 days. Most people don’t have any side effects after getting the flu vaccine.
Flu shot
People who get the flu shot sometimes feel sore where they got the shot. You can’t get the flu from the flu shot because it’s made from killed flu viruses.
Flu nasal spray
People who get the nasal spray may have a stuffy nose or headache afterward. The flu viruses in the nasal spray are weakened and can’t cause the flu.
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