What is the flu?

The flu, or influenza, occurs every year and is most common during the colder winter months, which is why it is sometime called “seasonal flu”. It is highly contagious viral infection that shares many of the same symptoms as the common cold. However, the flu can be far more severe than a cold, particularly for vulnerable people, such the elderly or those with weakened immune systems, and it can lead to hospitalization and even death. Last year saw unusually low numbers of flu cases, mainly due to the drastic reduction of social interaction as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data suggests there were around 38 million symptomatic cases of the flu in 2019-20 flu season, leading to around 18 million medical visits. The flu virus is transmitted when a person with the virus coughs or sneezes spreading the virus into the air in small droplets of saliva, which others then breath in or which land on surfaces that other people end up touching.

How do the flu vaccines work?

The flu vaccine helps the body build up antibodies to help fight off a flu virus infection. New flu vaccines are developed and released each year to offer protection against the strains of the virus that research indicates will be most prevalent in the coming year. In the United States, all flu vaccinations are “quadrivalent” vaccines. Quadrivalent vaccines offer protection against four different strains of the flu virus - H1N1 (an influenza A virus), H3N2, another an influenza A virus, and two influenza B viruses. It usually takes around two weeks for the body to develop antibodies. You may experience some side effects similar to the symptoms of the flu in the days following your vaccination.

Who should get the 2020-21 flu vaccine?

The CDC recommends that everyone over the age of six months should be receive the annual flu vaccine, which a few exceptions. There are several different vaccines available and some have difference approvals for use in people of different age groups, so it is advisable to discuss your options with your physician or pharmacist if you are unsure which you should get. Those who should not get a flu vaccine include:

• Children under 6 months old
• Anyone with a severe allergy to an ingredient in the vaccine. For example, certain vaccines contain gelatin or antibiotics. If you have any allergies ensure you discuss your flu vaccine options with your healthcare provider.
• People who have had severe allergic reactions to past flu vaccines. Again, if this applies to you, speak to your physician to decide whether getting a flu vaccination is appropriate for you. Other people who may need to speak to their healthcare provider before going for the flu vaccine include:
• Anyone with an allergy to eggs (some vaccine contain egg proteins)
• Anyone who is currently feeling unwell.
• Anyone who has had a severe reaction to the flu vaccine in the past
• Anyone with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)

Where can I get a flu vaccine?

Flu vaccines are generally offered by most doctor’s offices and clinics. Many pharmacies and health departments also provide flu vaccines, even if you are not a regular patient. Some schools and workplaces offer vaccination programs ahead of the flu season.

How effective is the flu vaccine?

It is possible to still get sick with the flu even if you have been vaccinated, having the vaccine significantly improves your chance of fighting off an infection. There are a number of reasons you may still get the flu - you may be exposed to the virus soon after vaccination and not yet have the required antibodies or you may be exposed to a virus not in the seasonal flu vaccine. You may also simply not develop sufficient immunity as a result of vaccination. Vaccination is not perfect, but it does dramatically improve your chances of fighting off infection and may also reduce the severity of any flu symptoms you have.

What are the benefits of getting a flu vaccine?

• Reduces the chances you will fall ill with the flu
• Improves your chance of having severe symptoms if you do contract the flu
• Reduces the risk of flu associated hospitalization
• Can help prevent worsening of certain chronic conditions (e.g. COPD) as a result of the flu
• Helps protects pregnant people both during and following pregnancy
• Significantly improves a child’s chance recovering from the flu
• Protects more vulnerable people around you, such as the elderly or people with certain chronic conditions who may be more vulnerable to the virus.

What side effects to expect from the flu vaccine

Having the flu vaccine cannot give you the flu. Vaccines given via an injection are either made with inactivated viruses or from proteins taken from a flu virus, while nasal spray vaccines contain a weakened live virus that cannot cause the flu. These nasal spray versions of the vaccine contain cold-adapted versions of the virus, which means it cannot reproduce in warmer areas of the body such as the lungs. However, once you have had your vaccination, you may get certain mild, short-lasting side effects. Potential side effects following an injected flu vaccine include:

• Fatigue
• Fever
• Headache (mild)
• Muscle aches
• Nausea
• Soreness, redness, and/or swelling where the shot was given

Potential side effects from the nasal spray vaccine include:

• Fever (mild)
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Runny nose
• Vomiting
• Wheezing

Like any injection, a flu vaccine can sometimes bring about fainting, so be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you feel dizzy, develop a ringing in the ears or experience vision changes following vaccination.

Should I get the flu vaccine?

Absolutely! Unless you are part of the very small group of people who are not advised to have the flu vaccine, you should certainly consider getting vaccinated if you have not already been. To date, around 170 million doses of the flu vaccine have been distributed in the US this flu season. Getting the flu vaccine will help protect you from the flu virus, and could reduce the chance you will become seriously ill or require hospitalization as a result of this illness. It will also help protect those around you who may be more vulnerable to the flu and more likely to become seriously ill if they contract the flu this winter.

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