The flu season is unpredictable every year. Influenza is a contagious disease occurring each year from November to May. It is one of the most common respiratory illnesses in the United States affecting millions of people yearly. The Influenza virus spreads by coughing, sneezing, or nasal secretions. Symptoms of the flu can range from sore throat, cough, headache, fever, chills, body aches, and fatigue. The symptoms can be particularly severe in children, the elderly or certain high risk patients (as discussed below) and require hospitalization.
The flu vaccine offers the best protection against the flu. Patients should receive the flu shot annually given that the vaccine is updated yearly based on worldwide surveillance. The vaccine is usually available around October 1st. The influenza vaccine is recommended for adults who are age 65 and older, pregnant women, and certain high risk individuals. Additionally, patients with diabetes, asthma, heart disease, lung diseases, morbid obesity, stroke, kidney and liver disorders, and cancer are strongly encouraged to receive their flu shot yearly. However, healthy people can also get the flu. Mostly everyone six months or older should be vaccinated. Patients who are allergic to eggs or to any component of the influenza vaccine should not be vaccinated. Serious side effects are extremely rare. Some of the more common mild side effects of the vaccine include, but are not limited to, soreness and mild swelling at the site of injection, nasal congestion, hoarseness, cough, body aches, and low grade fever. Mild side effects usually resolve within 24-48 hours after the vaccination.
It is not necessary to make an appointment with the doctor for a flu vaccine if you have had a follow-up visit within the previous three months. However, you should call in advance to be placed on the flu vaccination schedule in order to reserve your vaccine dose.