Flu season is here, which serves a reminder to practice proper hand hygiene, avoid close contact with those who are sick, and above all: get your flu shot.
Experts say this year’s flu season will be more severe than years past for two reasons: first, not as many people were infected in 2020, so their natural immunity is lower. Secondly, when compared to 2020 vaccination reports, fewer people have gotten their flu shot so far this year.

Why is the flu shot so important?

Influenza is a disease that changes every year and has the potential to be very dangerous. The virus can impact people differently. Just like with COVID-19, those who suffer from comorbidities or chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or congestive heart failure are more at risk of experiencing complications of the flu. On average annually, the U.S. has approximately 36,000 flu-related deaths and 442,000 hospitalizations.

The composition of flu vaccines is adjusted based on what scientists and medical professionals at the World Health Organization (WHO) believe will be the most prevalent circulating strains. The WHO receives thousands of virus samples from 144 national influenza centers in over 114 countries around the world. It then uses the data to formulate the vaccine for the upcoming year. The vaccines are slightly different every year to reflect these observed differences in what strains are circulating. Therefore it is important to receive an annual vaccine.

Why do you need to get a flu shot every year?

Every year, the flu shot is changed to protect you and those around you from the latest strains as the virus mutates from year to year. When you get the vaccine, you are ensuring your body has the antibodies it needs to keep you protected.

It is a common misconception that the flu vaccine can give you the flu; the shot only contains either a single protein from the virus or is made with inactive or killed viruses. Another misconception is that people think getting sick with the flu is better than getting the vaccine — that is not the case. One of the characteristics of how well a flu vaccine protects the patient from getting the flu involves how well that vaccine matches the strain of flu circulating that season. If it is a good match, then more protection is offered.

The flu can be a very serious illness especially for children, elderly adults and people who suffer from chronic health conditions. Getting vaccinated is a much safer choice than the possibility of dire, or even fatal, consequences of being infected with influenza.

The CDC recommends everyone who is six months of age or older get the vaccine every year.

What to do if you think you have the flu

First, if you are in an immediate emergency, call 911.

Emergency symptoms in children include:

  • Fast breathing or trouble breathing
  • Bluish lips or face
  • Chest pain
  • Ribs pulling in with each breath
  • Dehydration, which means no urine for 8+ hours, dry mouth, or no tears when crying
  • Not alert
  • Seizures
  • Fevers above 104 degrees Fahrenheit
  • In children less than 12 weeks old, any fever at all

For adults:

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
  • Persistent dizziness, confusion, inability to arouse
  • Seizures
  • Not urinating
  • Severe muscle pain
  • Severe weakness or unsteadiness

If you are experiencing symptoms schedule an appointment as soon as you can with your primary care or family medical provider.

Signs and symptoms of the flu generally include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headaches, body aches and fatigue. Not everyone with the flu will have a fever, so it is wise to take precautions to distance yourself from family, friends and stay home if you are feeling unwell.

When is the best time to get a flu shot?

Typically, flu season ramps up in the fall and generally lasts until the end of April, so it is ideal to receive your flu shot during the months of September and October for the best protection.

If you did not receive your flu shot during this timeframe, it is not too late to protect yourself and those around you.

To receive your flu shot this season, please visit your local pharmacy.