Flu viruses circulate all year however, flu activity starts to increase in the fall and continues through the spring in a typical flu season. During most flu seasons, peak flu activity happens between December and February. Although most people with influenza will recover without causing additional medical issues, influenza can cause serious illness and death, particularly among older adults, very young children, individuals who are pregnant, and those with certain chronic medical conditions.
Get a Flu Vaccine Every Year
The best way to prevent influenza is to get a flu vaccine every year. The influenza virus is constantly changing. Each year, scientists work together to identify the virus strains that they believe will cause the most illness, and a new vaccine is made based on their recommendations.
- It is recommended that everyone over the age of 6 months receive an annual influenza vaccine.
- Children between 6 months and 8 years of age may need two doses of flu vaccine to be fully protected from flu. Discuss this with your child's healthcare provider.
- Children younger than 6 months of age are at higher risk of serious flu complications but are too young to get a flu vaccine. Because of this, safeguarding them from flu is especially important. If you live with or care for an infant younger than 6 months of age, you and others in your family should get vaccinated to help protect them from the flu.
- The best time to get the flu vaccine is before flu starts circulating in your community in September or October. However, later vaccination can still be beneficial.
How much do you know about the flu shot?
Influenza or flu is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. One way to prevent influenza is by getting your flu shot. The flu shot is recommended for everyone 6 months and older and should be received every year.
It is better to get the flu than to get a flu shot.
False
(You answered: )
Anyone can get seriously ill from flu however some people are at higher risk for flu complications. Young children, older adults and people with chronic medical conditions such as chronic lung disease, heart disease and diabetes may be at higher risk for severe flu illness.
Getting vaccinated may also protect people around you.
True
(You answered: )
When you get your flu shot, you may help stop the spread of disease and protect those more vulnerable to serious flu illness, including babies under six months of age who cannot receive a flu shot.
You cannot get a flu shot in December
Please indicate vaccination status.
False.
(You answered: )
While it is recommended that you receive your vaccination in September or October, later vaccination can still be beneficial. Seasonal flu activity usually peaks between December and March.
There are specific flu vaccines for people 65 and older.
Please indicate vaccination status.
True
(You answered: )
There are three flu vaccines that are recommended for people 65 years and older. These include:
- Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent
- Flublok Quadrivalent recombinant
- Fluad Quadrivalent adjuvanted
You can get your flu shot and COVID-19 vaccination at the same time.
Please indicate vaccination status.
True.
(You answered: )
You can receive your COVID-19 vaccination with other routinely recommended vaccines including the flu shot.
If you have an egg allergy, you cannot get the flu shot.
Please indicate vaccination status.
False
(You answered: )
People with egg allergies can receive any recommended flu vaccine that is appropriate for them. People with a history of severe egg allergy should be vaccinated in a medical setting and supervised by a health care provider. There are also egg-free flu vaccine options available.
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The Flu Shot
Flu shots work by helping our bodies produce antibodies that provide protection against infection with the virus strains in the vaccine. The number of antibodies produced by your immune system is the greatest one to two months after vaccination and then gradually declines. After receiving the flu shot it usually takes about two weeks for the body to develop immunity to influenza. Important things to know about the flu shot:
- The flu shot is safe and provides protection against severe flu illness and hospitalization.
- The flu shot is covered by most insurance plans including Medicare, Medicaid, and private health insurance.
- Most people experience little or no reaction to the flu shot. The most common side effect is a swollen, red, tender area where the vaccination is given.
- You cannot get the flu from the flu shot as it is made from either inactivated (killed) viruses or parts of the virus.
- People with a history of egg allergy can receive a flu shot.
Flu Shot Types
All flu vaccines currently available are trivalent vaccines. This means that they provide protection against the three most common flu virus strains that are predicted to be circulating—two influenza A strains and one influenza B strains.
Practice Good Health Habits
- Wash your hands often. You can get the flu by touching your mouth, nose, or eyes after touching an object with the flu virus on it. Also carry hand sanitizer that is 60% alcohol to have on hand when soap and water is not available.
- Keep your distance when you are sick or if you are around someone else who is sick.
- Keep it to yourself. Stay home when you are sick and cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze. You can spread flu typically up to seven days after becoming sick.
Flu Education Materials
Free to download, print, share and post in your community, healthcare office and office workspace.
Reviewed and approved by the American Lung Association Scientific and Medical Editorial Review Panel.
Page last updated: November 8, 2024
