Influenza

• Flu viruses are always changing. Scientists predict which virus will be most common each year. Flu vaccines change each flu season to make them work as well as possible.
• Protection from the flu shot gets weaker over time. That’s why a yearly flu vaccine is needed to keep you from getting sick.

No. According to the CDC, “flu vaccines either contain inactivated virus, meaning the viruses are no longer infectious, or a particle designed to look like a flu virus to your immune system. While the nasal spray does contain a live virus, the viruses are changed so that they cannot give you the flu.” That means getting a flu vaccine cannot give you the flu. But it can reduce your chances of catching the flu or getting very ill from the flu.

• You should get a flu vaccine before the flu starts spreading where you live. Fall is the best time to get your yearly shot. Doctors recommend getting your vaccine by the end of October if possible. But it is important to get the flu shot no matter the month.
• You can get your flu vaccine in many provider's offices. You can also get it in pharmacies, clinics, and health centers. Vaccines may also be offered at schools or your workplace.

The flu is different from a cold. The flu usually comes on suddenly. People who have the flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:

• Fever* or feeling feverish/chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue or tiredness
• Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea. This is more common in children than adults.

*It is important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.

Visit your provider or urgent care with questions and to ask about medications that could help you feel better faster. Unless you have a very high fever or trouble breathing, you should not need to go to the emergency room for the flu.