Why You Need an Annual Flu Vaccine
The flu, also called influenza, is a contagious respiratory illness that infects the nose, throat and lungs. Getting an annual flu shot is the best way to prevent the flu. The flu shot lowers your chances of getting sick, having severe complications and the length of your illness if you do get the flu.
Across the country, hundreds of millions of people have safely received the flu shot for decades. It’s an effective way to protect you, your family and your community from influenza.
Find a Clinic Near You
Schedule a flu vaccine visit on My Sanford Chart or by calling a Sanford Health location near you. We also host seasonal vaccination events in the fall.
Find a Location
If you don’t have My Sanford Chart and would like to make an appointment online, schedule your appointment here.
Common Flu Symptoms
Flu symptoms can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. The most common symptoms include:
- Chills
- Cough
- Extreme fatigue
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle or body aches
- Sore throat
- Vomiting or diarrhea (more common in children)
It’s possible to spread the flu before you know you are sick. When you begin having symptoms, you are most contagious during the first three days of illness.
Flu Prevention
The most important step you can take to prevent the flu is to get an annual flu vaccine. In the U.S., 5% to 20% of people get the flu every year. The flu can weaken your immune system, making you more vulnerable to other infections. These secondary infections can be potentially life-threatening to those at a higher risk of complications. This includes young children, older adults, people with chronic health conditions and pregnant women. In an average year, the flu leads to thousands of deaths and hospitalizations nationwide. By getting the annual flu vaccine, you can protect yourself and others from serious flu complications.
To prevent the spread of germs, it’s also important to cover coughs and sneezes, frequently wash your hands and stay home if you start feeling sick.
Treatment
Antiviral medications can be prescribed to treat flu symptoms. These medications can help lessen symptoms and shorten the time you are sick. They work best when started within one to two days after symptoms begin.
Flu antiviral medications are recommended for:
- Those who have severe illness.
- Those who are hospitalized with the flu.
- Those who are at an increased risk of complications from the flu based on their age or underlying health conditions.
Some antiviral medications are safe for children and pregnant women. Antiviral medications may cause side effects. The most common side effects are nausea and vomiting.
Flu Vaccine FAQ
What is the flu vaccine?
Vaccines use an inactive or weakened strain of the flu virus. Introducing this strain will teach your immune system to create antibodies that can target a live flu infection if you’re exposed later.
Vaccines don’t contain a form of the flu that can make you sick. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) carefully studies each new vaccine to guarantee its safety.
What are the side effects of the flu vaccine?
Side effects can include:
- Aches
- Low-grade fever
- Mild flu-like symptoms
- Soreness localized to the area you received a shot
Who should get the flu vaccine?
According to the CDC, everyone age 6 months and older should get vaccinated every fall.
These groups should prioritize getting vaccinated because they’re at an increased risk of serious flu complications:
- Children. The flu can be life-threatening to children.
- Pregnant women. Getting the vaccine protects pregnant women from serious flu complications and passes on antibodies to their babies. Learn more.
- People 65 and older. Most flu hospitalizations and deaths occur in patients age 65 and older. Learn more.
When should I get the flu vaccine?
Flu season occurs annually from November to April with most doctor visits and hospitalizations occurring from late December to early March. Stay protected and get the vaccine as early as it is available, usually in September or October.
How effective is the flu vaccine?
Flu vaccines prevent millions of flu illnesses and doctor visits every year. They reduce the risk of illness by around 40% to 60% when the vaccines are well matched to the circulating viruses.
Although the vaccine isn’t 100% effective, it does lower the chances of having severe complications and the length of illness. Flu vaccines have also been shown to reduce the risk of hospitalization and death for those who are at a higher risk for complications.
Read more answers to questions about flu shots from an infectious disease specialist.
Get Your Flu Vaccine FAQ
What types of flu vaccines are available?
Different types include:
- Flu shots delivered with a needle
- Nasal spray flu vaccines
- High-dose flu vaccines, which contain four times the amount of antigen and are specifically for people age 65 and older
How much does a flu vaccination cost?
Flu vaccinations are typically covered by insurance. They are usually offered at no cost to patients.
How should I prepare for my flu vaccination?
Face masks are still required in health care settings. Please make sure you bring and properly wear a face mask to your flu vaccination appointment.
Flu shots are given in the upper arm muscle for young children and adults. Make sure your outfit is short-sleeved or has sleeves that are easy to roll up.
Infants and toddlers receive their flu shot in the upper thigh muscle. Consider dressing infants and toddlers in an outfit where the thigh is easily accessible.
Flu and COVID-19 FAQ
What is the flu?
The flu is a virus that targets the nose, throat and lungs. It can cause:
- Fever
- Chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Extreme fatigue
- Vomiting (in children)
These symptoms can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
The flu can also weaken your immune system, making you more vulnerable to other infections. These secondary infections make the flu potentially life-threatening to young children, older adults, people with chronic health conditions and pregnant women. In an average year, the flu leads to thousands of deaths nationwide and many more hospitalizations.
Will the flu vaccine protect me against COVID-19?
The flu vaccine will not prevent COVID-19. Get a COVID-19 vaccination to protect yourself against that illness.
Can I get the flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time?
Yes. You can receive the COVID-19 vaccine and your annual flu shot at the same appointment.
Is it safe to get a flu vaccine during the pandemic?
Yes. Getting vaccinated is the best thing you can do to protect yourself and your family. We’re offering flu and COVID-19 vaccines at convenient locations and events.