Should I Get a Flu Shot?

Each year, flu season brings questions about how to best protect yourself and your family from illness. While the virus changes from year to year, the single most effective defense remains the annual flu vaccine.

To help you navigate flu season with confidence, we asked Dr. Aaron Carlisle, family medicine physician at Community Physician Network, to break down how the flu virus works, what to expect from the vaccine and why staying up to date on your immunization matters every single season.

What Is the Flu?

Influenza is a respiratory illness caused by a number of different viruses that infect the nose, throat and lungs. It is spread through droplets made when you sneeze or cough. Symptoms include, fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache and fatigue.

Flu season generally runs from October through March and tends to peak in February. 

Who Is at Risk for Getting the Flu?

Everyone is at risk for getting the flu; however, individuals who have an increased risk of being hospitalized or dying from the flu are those over the age of 65 and those under age five.

Other conditions that put you at high risk for complications (hospitalization or death) from the flu include, lung disease, diabetes, heart disease, obesity and any condition that compromises the immune system.

What Does It Mean When a Virus Mutates?

Viruses, like the flu, can “drift” or “shift”.

Each time a virus replicates it mutates or changes a little - this is called drifting. When this happens it can cause the immune system not to recognize the virus as well. However, the body is still able to have a cross-reactivity to the new viral appearance and fight against the virus.

But as a virus drifts further away from the original viral strain they can form into an unrecognizable form. This is why flu vaccines are updated each year.

A shift occurs with an abrupt major change happens to a virus, leaving it unrecognizable to the immune system.

Will My Flu Shot Work This Year?

The flu shot is formulated every year for the flu strains scientists think might circulate in the upcoming flu season. Flu vaccinations are designed to protect against three main groups of Type A and B viruses, but it challenging to forecast the flu due to the ever-changing nature of viruses. The CDC website offers seasonal flu shot information.

Flu Shot Myths and Facts

Can the flu shot give me the flu?

No. The flu shot does not contain a live flu virus and cannot cause the flu. Some people experience mild side effects such as soreness at the injection site or mild fatigue.

How long does it take for the flu shot to work?

It takes about two weeks after vaccination for protection to develop.

Do I need a flu shot every year?

Yes. Flu viruses change over time, and the vaccine is updated each year to provide protection against the strains expected to circulate during flu season.

I'm healthy. Do I still need a flu shot?

The flu vaccine is recommended for most people age 6 months and older because anyone can get the flu and spread it to others.

So, Should I Get the Shot?

Yes, simply put, the annual flu shot is the number one way to prevent the flu. For more information visit the CDC website or contact your physician.

Where Can I Get a Flu Shot?

Getting your annual flu shot is quick and convenient. You can schedule an appointment with your doctor, visit your pharmacy or find an immediate care clinic in your neighborhood (check for walk-in availability). Learn more about the flu and find a flu shot location at eCommunity.com/flu.