I have had a number of questions regarding the flu vaccine and when to get it.
This year in particular, with the likely uptick in Covid cases as we start spending more time indoors, it is vital to get a flu shot. Remember that the flu still kills. Almost 80,000 in the 2017-2018 season. Getting sick is not only not fun and potentially serious, it significantly raises the risks of catching Covid-19 because of the impact being sick has on your immune system.
I have heard many people say that they have never received a flu shot, and the fact is that they may not have needed one or maybe they were lucky. But in the era of Covid-19, everyone should get one.
It takes about 2 weeks after the shot for protection to kick in. Protection is provided for at least 6 months. The flu season usually starts in October so no later than mid September (ie NOW) is when you should get it. The problem with trying to time the flu vaccination to ensure coverage for the whole season is that you might miss the mark. Get it when you can and as soon as possible.
Egg allergy? NOT AN ISSUE! You can still get a flu shot.
Fear of infection from the shot? Almost impossible. Nothing is impossible, hence the “almost”. Although live, attenuated (killed) virus is used in some forms of vaccination, primarily intranasal sprays used primarily in kids, most are not actual viruses so you can’t possibly get the flu from the flu shot. You can get some side effects like muscle soreness or even a little bit of a fever and fatigue. Remember that it takes 2 weeks to provide full protection so if you got the flu after a recent shot, it’s because you were exposed to the flu. Simple as that.
If you have had a severe reaction to the vaccine, you may not be able to get it however, this is a discussion you need to have with your doctor. “Symptoms” do NOT necessarily mean that you had a reaction to the vaccine. Some symptoms are more common than you might think. Getting the flu after you were properly vaccinated does NOT mean you are “immune to the shot”, just unlucky. They are not perfect. Also keep in mind that even though you may get the fly after a shot, it may not be as severe as it could have been had you not received the shot. Some protection is still provided.
There are a few different types of shot available. You want to make sure you get the “quadrivalent” vaccine. A quadrivalent vaccine is designed to protect against four different flu viruses, including two influenza A viruses and two influenza B viruses.
As far as the difference between Covid-19 and the flu, the major symptoms are the same: fever, cough, breathing difficulties. Add to that other common symptoms like fatigue, muscle and joint aches. Both can cause loss of smell, sneezing, a runny nose and stomach aches. If you’re sick, see your doctor.
Similar to Covid-19, you can also be infected with the flu, have few if any symptoms and you can still spread it.
Just like wearing masks, getting a shot is not only good for you, it is also good for those around you. If you don’t catch the flu, you can’t spread it either.
Stay safe and be well.
AC 😎✌️🌱❤🐖🏃🏻🧘🏻♂️🌎😷