With kids heading back to school and many of us soon spending more time indoors due to cooler temperatures, it’s time to schedule your flu shot. Getting vaccinated helps ensure you and your loved ones stay protected during the upcoming flu season.
You may be thinking … the flu, already? Cases of respiratory flu, also known as influenza, can begin to show up as soon as October, says Dr. Dirk Steinert, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Ambulatory Care for ThedaCare.
Flu vaccines cause antibodies to develop in the body about two weeks after getting vaccination. To make sure you’re fully protected in October, the time is now to schedule your shot.
Flu FAQs
Questions and misconceptions abound when it comes to the flu and vaccines. Here, Dr. Steinert answers some FAQs.
1. How can I tell the difference between a cold and the flu?
This is a common question. Your nose gets stuffy, your throat hurts, and you start to cough. Is it the flu or just a cold? Those three symptoms are common for both colds and flu. However, flu symptoms tend to be more severe and include a fever, headache, body aches, and fatigue. It’s common for people to report that ‘hit-by-a-truck’ feeling when it comes to flu.
2. Are flu shots really necessary? At most, I’ll feel crummy for a few days.
Millions of people get the flu every year. Getting the flu can mean a few days of feeling sick and missing school or work. For many, though, it’s much more than inconvenient. Some people can develop serious complications. These can include bacterial pneumonia, sinus infections, or worsening of chronic conditions. The flu and its complications can lead to hospitalization and even death. That’s why getting vaccinated is essential.
In addition, when you get vaccinated, you’re not just protecting yourself, but also those around you. That includes people who are most at risk of becoming severely ill and those who cannot receive the vaccine, such as infants.
3. Why bother if I might still get the flu anyway?
There are a couple of reasons you can get the flu after getting a flu shot. First, you might get a flu strain not covered by the flu shot. However, this season’s vaccination covers three strains, so it’s more comprehensive.
You might also get exposed to influenza before your body has built up full immunity. That’s why getting the shot in September or early October before the season begins is so important. There’s also the possibility you don’t really have influenza. You may instead have a bad cold or even COVID-19. In short, because viruses are constantly changing, it’s possible to get the flu even after getting vaccinated. But if you do, you’re likely to have milder symptoms.
4. Do kids need to get flu shots?
Yes, they do. Children who get the flu are at greater risk of developing complications, including pneumonia and ear infections. Tragically, the flu also leads to pediatric deaths each year, including 193 children in the 2023-2024 flu season.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends all children ages 6 months and older receive an annual flu shot. Children between the ages of 6 months and 8 years old may need two vaccines for full protection.
5. Can I get the flu vaccine if I’m allergic to eggs?
Answer: Yes, you can receive the flu shot if you’re allergic to eggs. In the past, that was a concern. However, starting with last year’s flu season, the CDC advised that additional safety measures for people allergic to eggs were no longer needed. For safety, the CDC states that everyone should get vaccinated in a setting equipped with personnel and equipment for rapid recognition and treatment of allergic reactions.
6. Can I get my flu and COVID-19 vaccination at the same time?
You can receive the flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time if you’re eligible and the timing for each vaccine is right, according to the CDC. Studies conducted during the pandemic showed receiving both vaccinations at the same time was safe.
When you receive two vaccines at the same time, the provider places them at least 1 inch apart on the body. Alternatively, you can have them placed in different arms to avoid any discomfort. Many people like getting both vaccines at once since it’s more convenient and requires only one visit.
7. When should I get my flu shot?
Flu shots are now available for the upcoming influenza season. Consider getting vaccinated in mid-September, and no later than the end of October. If it’s already the flu season, which lasts through spring, you can still get vaccinated. It’s important to your health and others’ that you get vaccinated.
Schedule your flu shot at a ThedaCare clinic or pharmacy.
