Stay protected this flu season

The Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus it usually infects the nose and throat but sometimes can affect the lungs.

While they are both respiratory illness, Flu usually has a faster onset of symptoms that are more severe than a cold.

The Flu shot is a vaccine that helps the immune system recognize the influenza virus and build antibodies before it can cause serious illness.

The CDC recommends the influenza vaccination for anyone 6 months of age or older, it can be especially important for very young children and older adults, people with weakened immune systems and healthcare workers.

The best time for vaccination is in September to early November.

It is not too late to get the influenza vaccination at any time during the Flu season (usually October to early May).

No, the vaccine does not contain the live virus and is not able to give you the flu, the immune response can cause some mild side effects that can resemble some flu-like symptoms. If you become infected with the flu in the 2 weeks after getting the vaccination you were most likely exposed to someone with the flu before you could develop any protection.

The vaccine will not treat the current infection; most people should wait until they recover before receiving the vaccine.

Effectiveness can vary from season to season in accordance to how well the vaccine matches the flu viruses that are circulating. Even if it does not completely protect from becoming infected, vaccination can reduce the risk of serious illness, hospitalization and death.

Symptoms of the flu can include Fever, chills, sore throat, runny nose, muscle and body aches, headache, fatigue and occasionally vomiting or diarrhea.

Protection from the vaccine gradually decreases but is generally effective for about 6 months, this is why the influenza vaccine is recommended yearly.

Most side effects are mild and temporary, lasting only a day or two. These side effects include soreness at the injection site, low-grade fever, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue.

It takes approximately 2 weeks after receiving the vaccine to develop protective antibodies.

Vaccination reduces the risk of severe outcomes such as serious illness, hospitalization, and death. Vaccination can help prevent the spread of respiratory illness to vulnerable people and reduce strain on the healthcare system.