Influenza (flu) is a disease of the body’s respiratory system, which includes the nose, throat, and lungs. Flu is caused by a virus and can be very serious, especially for people with certain health conditions. Flu season typically lasts from October through May, but peaks between December and February. During an average flu season, hundreds of thousands of people are hospitalized and there are tens of thousands of deaths, caused by influenza. Getting vaccinated against the flu significantly lowers your risk of getting serious illness and complications.
Flu vaccines are manufactured each year to provide protection against the multiple influenza viruses that research indicates will be transmitted the most during the upcoming flu season. There are different flu vaccine options available and are recommended based on ages groups. Everyone 6 months and older are recommended to receive a flu shot each year. Most flu vaccines are given with a needle in the arm, but there are nasal spray vaccines availble as well. Some people may be advised against getting a nasal spray flu vaccination like pregnant woman. Certain groups of people with specific health conditions or allergies are not recommended to receive a yearly flu shot.
Common side effects of the vaccine include soreness, redness or swelling where the shot was given, headache, fever, nausea, muscle aches and fatigue.
If you have any concerns about getting an annual flu shot, talk to your provider before the start of flu season.
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