It's flu vaccination season. While we have not seen much activity at all (so far) this season, it's just around the corner and time to get your vaccine. The flu is never "just the flu". It kills more than 30,000 Americans every year. Nothing to sniff at and here's the thing.....PREVENTABLE!
There are a lot of misconceptions about the vaccine. Hopefully I can put some to rest.
Q: Can the flu shot give you the flu?
A: NO NO NO!!! HOW MANY TIMES DO WE HAVE TO SAY IT?? No, a flu shot cannot cause flu illness. The influenza viruses contained in a flu shot are inactivated (killed), which means they cannot cause infection. Flu vaccine manufacturers kill the viruses used in the vaccine during the process of making vaccine, and batches of flu vaccine are tested to make sure they are safe. In randomized, blinded studies, where
some people get flu shots and others get salt-water shots, the only differences in symptoms was increased soreness in the arm and redness at the injection site among people who got the flu shot. There were no differences in terms of body aches, fever, cough, runny nose or sore throat.
Q: Why don't I feel so good then after I get the shot? Huh????
A: The most common side effect of seasonal flu shots in adults has been soreness at the spot where the shot was given, which usually lasts less than two days. The soreness is often caused by a person’s immune system making protective antibodies to the killed viruses in the vaccine. These antibodies are what allow the body to fight against flu. The needle stick may also cause some soreness at the injection site. Come on...REALLY? THIS is your excuse? rare symptoms include fever, muscle pain, and feelings of discomfort or weakness. If these problems occur, they are very uncommon and usually begin soon after the shot and last 1-2 days.
Q: OK, I got the shot last year and still got the flu. What happened?
A: So, how sick were you? There are a few reasons why someone might get flu-like symptoms even after they have been vaccinated against seasonal flu.
1. People may be exposed to one of the influenza viruses in the vaccine shortly before getting vaccinated or during the two-week period that it takes the body to gain protection after getting vaccinated. This exposure may result in a person becoming ill with flu before protection from the vaccine takes effect.
2. People may become ill from non-flu viruses that circulate during the flu season, which can also cause flu-like symptoms (such as rhinovirus). Flu vaccine will not protect people from respiratory illness that is not caused by flu viruses.
3. You can be exposed to an influenza virus that is very different from the viruses included in the vaccine. The ability of a flu vaccine to protect a person depends largely on the similarity or "match" between the viruses or virus in the vaccine and those in circulation. There are many different influenza viruses.
4. Unfortunately, some people can remain unprotected from flu despite getting the vaccine. This is more likely to occur among people that have weakened immune systems or the elderly. However, even among these people, a flu vaccine can still help prevent complications.
Q: How long is the vaccine effective?
A: It works for the whole flu season.....what a deal!
Q: What if I got 2 shots? Is that better?
A: Studies have not demonstrated a benefit of receiving more than one dose during an influenza season, even among elderly persons with weakened immune systems. Except for some children, only one dose of flu vaccine is recommended each season. This year there is a high-dose vaccine available that has triple the amount of antigen in it. It should help those > 65 years of age make more antibodies. This is the first year for this vaccine. While we know it boosts antibody protection, we don’t know if it will actually
result in fewer cases of influenza in this population.
Q: I hear there's a nasal spray vaccine - no shot. Can THAT give me the flu?
A: The nasal vaccine DOES contain live virus but they're ATTENUATED, that means they're VERY wimpy and cannot infect you. They cannot infect the lungs or other areas where warmer temperatures exist.
Some children and young adults 2-17 years of age have reported experiencing mild reactions after receiving nasal spray flu vaccine, including runny nose, nasal congestion or cough, chills, tiredness/weakness, sore throat and headache. Some adults 18-49 years of age have reported runny nose or nasal congestion, cough, chills, tiredness/weakness, sore throat and headache. These side effects are mild and short-lasting, especially when compared to symptoms of seasonal influenza infection.
Q: Is it too late if I wait until after Thanksgiving?
A: NO. Anytime you get the vaccine it will work for you. CDC recommends that providers begin to offer influenza vaccination as soon as vaccine becomes available in the fall, but if you have not been vaccinated by Thanksgiving (or the end of November), it can still be protective to get vaccinated in December or later.
Influenza is unpredictable and seasons can vary. Seasonal influenza disease usually peaks in January or February most years, but disease can occur as late as May.
Q: OK, I hear it all the time...."I never get the flu and I’m exposed to EVERYTHING. Why should I get a flu shot?"
A: Some people will get a very mild infection with influenza and not be very sick. The BAD NEWS is that they can transmit the infection to other people. Remember how many people die every year from the flu? YOU might not be that sick but you can sure make someone else sick and even die....how bad would that make you feel? Influenza can be contagious a day or two before symptoms start, too. So a flu shot protects you, your family and vulnerable people. Flu shots work!
Q: What about the "stomach flu"?
A: It's NOT really the flu. These symptoms can be caused by many different viruses, bacteria or even
parasites. While vomiting, diarrhea, and being nauseous or "sick to your stomach" can sometimes be related to the flu – more commonly in children than adults – these problems are rarely the main symptoms of influenza. The flu is a respiratory disease and not a stomach or intestinal disease. Think NOROVIRUS here. Wash your hands!!!
So, what's stopping you?
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