Flu Vaccines - what is it?

Flu vaccines are around the corner. The flu vaccine is your very best way to protect yourself against the flu virus. You need to get one every calendar year, unless you've got a medical reason not to.

How do flu vaccines work?

Flu vaccines cause antibodies to develop in the body approximately two weeks after vaccination. These antibodies provide protection against infection with the viruses that are in the vaccine.

The seasonal influenza vaccine protects against the influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming season. Conventional influenza vaccines are made to safeguard against three influenza viruses; an influenza A (H1N1) virus, an influenza A (H3N2) virus, and an influenza B virus. There are also flu vaccines made to protect against four influenza viruses (known as"quadrivalent" vaccines). These vaccines protect against the same viruses as the trivalent vaccine and an additional B virus.

Can I get the flu from getting flu vaccines?

No. The viruses in flu vaccines are dead. The nasal spray, which has a weak variant of the influenza virus, cannot give you the flu.

What are the potential side effects of flu vaccines?

Most people have no problems from flu vaccines.

You may have a mild fever and feel tired or achy subsequently. Some folks also have redness, soreness, or swelling where they got their shot. These issues are not severe and don't last long.

Serious side effects are infrequent. If they do happen, it's within a few minutes to a couple hours after you get the shot. Call your doctor right away if you have trouble breathing, feel weak or dizzy, or have a fast heartbeat afterward.

If you get the nasal spray, you might have side effects like a runny nose, cough, headache, and sore throat. These are milder and shorter than the actual flu.

Should I Talk to My Doctor Before I Get Flu Vaccines?

You Should Consult your doctor or pharmacist first if:

  • You have experienced a life-threatening allergic reaction to a flu shot before.
  • You've had Guillain-Barre syndrome which happened after you got the flu vaccine. This is a disorder where the body's immune system attacks the nervous system.
  • You're very ill. If you've got a mild illness, then you’re good to get vaccinated. Otherwise, speak with your doctor or pharmacist first.