Why Flu Vaccination Matters

Health Topics Sep 1, 2022

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The flu, or influenza, leaves most people feeling miserable for a few to several days.

But the flu can have far more serious consequences for people in certain high-risk groups. For them it can lead to hospitalization and, in extreme cases, even death.

Those most at risk:

Children under 5, particularly infants and toddlers up to age 2
Adults 65 and older
People with a weakened immune system and certain chronic health conditions (see examples at the end of this article)
Pregnant women and women up to two weeks after delivery
Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities

“A flu shot will protect you through the whole flu season, which picks up in October and can extend into May. January and February is when we see the worst cases.”

People in high-risk groups are more likely to develop complications from the flu. These include pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus and ear infections. The flu can aggravate chronic health conditions. For someone with asthma, it could trigger an attack. And if you have a condition like chronic congestive heart failure or COPD (congestive obstructive pulmonary disease), flu could send you to the hospital.

Who Should Be Vaccinated?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone 6 months and older be vaccinated against flu, even if you’re not in a high-risk group.

Here’s why:

When vaccinated, you’re less likely to expose others to the flu virus, including those in the high-risk groups.
A vaccination will lessen your chance of getting the flu. Yes, lessen. There are few guarantees in life, including that you won’t get the flu after being vaccinated. But a vaccination may ease your symptoms if you do get sick.

In short, when you get a flu shot, you’re doing yourself, your family, co-workers, and others a favor.

When Should You Be Vaccinated?

“The best time to get a flu shot, which is the best treatment ever for the flu, is as soon as it’s available — usually sometime in August,” explains Josh Ordway, MD.

But if you haven’t been vaccinated by the end of fall, don’t worry. Better late than never, says Dr. Ordway. “A flu shot will protect you through the whole flu season, which picks up in October and can extend into May. January and February is when we see the worst cases.”

Dr. Ordway adds that the flu vaccine takes a couple of weeks to reach full effect. “Flu vaccines are made up of flu virus particles … that your body recognizes and builds antibodies to, so that your body can recognize the real flu virus when it infects you, and keeps you from getting the flu.”

Dr. Ordway explains how the vaccine works.

Click play to watch the video or read video transcript.

Flu shots are easily accessible as more and more grocery stores and pharmacies offer them. And you can make your annual flu shot part of the care you receive from your primary care provider, who knows your allergies and other medical history.

In some cases, the flu shot causes mild side effects, such as low-grade fever, aches, and soreness or swelling at the injection site. You’ll be able to consult with your doctor if you experience a side effect.

Conditions That Can Lead To Flu Complications

Health conditions that can put people at greater risk of complications from the flu include:

Chronic lung disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cystic fibrosis
Asthma
Diabetes
Heart disease, such as coronary heart disease, congestive heart failure and congenital heart disease
Kidney or liver disorders
Sickle cell disease
Weakened immune system from diseases such as cancer, HIV or AIDS
People younger than 19 on long-term aspirin therapy
Extreme obesity (body mass index of 40 or more)
Disorders of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and muscle such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy, stroke, moderate to severe developmental delay, muscular dystrophy, or spinal cord injury