Seasonal Flu
What is the flu?
The flu, or influenza, is a contagious viral infection that affects millions of
people each year. It is unpleasant to have and places those with weak immune systems
at high risk for serious complications such as pneumonia, heart attack and stroke.
The normal flu season usually begins around October and can last until May.
Seasonal flu symptoms include:
- Fever.
- Headache.
- Extreme tiredness.
- Dry cough.
- Sore throat.
- Runny or stuffy nose.
- Muscle aches.
- Stomach symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea (especially in children).
Seasonal Flu vs. Novel H1N1 Flu – What you need to know
The novel H1N1 virus, also know as the swine flu, became a worldwide pandemic in
2009. It is a different virus than the seasonal flu virus, and therefore must be
handled differently. Symptoms of the seasonal flu and novel H1N1
flu are similar, but the risk groups are not.
Since the novel H1N1 virus is a relatively new infection, it is not included in
the seasonal flu vaccine.
What is a flu shot?
The flu shot, or vaccine, is the single most effective way to protect yourself against
the seasonal flu. October to November is the best time to get a flu shot, but it’s
OK to get it earlier or later. Since flu viruses change every year, it’s important
to get vaccinated annually.
A flu shot contains three inactive (dead) influenza viruses that are selected based
on what is expected to hit during the flu season. About two weeks after getting
the shot, your body develops antibodies that protect you against viruses contained
in the vaccine. Since not every type of flu virus is contained in the vaccine, there
is still a slight possibility of getting the flu.
Note that this year’s seasonal flu shot does not protect against the novel
H1N1 virus.
Who should get a seasonal flu shot?
Anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting seasonal influenza, especially:
- Those at high risk of serious influenza complications.
- Children 6 months to 18 years old.
- Adults age 50 and older.
- Pregnant women.
- People with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease.
- People who live in nursing homes or long-term-care facilities.
- Household contacts of people who are at high risk.
- Household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children less than 6 months old.
- Health care workers, teachers, and others who could easily be exposed to the flu.
It’s important to know that the seasonal flu vaccine is not meant to replace
the novel H1N1 vaccine, or vice versa. However, the CDC has determined that both
vaccines can be administered on the same day.
Who should NOT get a seasonal flu shot?
- Those who are severely allergic to chicken eggs.
- People who developed Guillain-Barre syndrome within six weeks after getting a flu
shot.
- Infants younger than 6 months.
- Those who have experienced a severe reaction to the flu shot in the past.
- People with a moderate to severe illness with a fever. (It’s recommended they
wait until symptoms lessen.)
What are possible side effects of the seasonal flu shot?
Despite what many believe, the flu shot cannot give you the flu. Since the viruses
are dead, they cannot infect you.
Possible side effects usually begin immediately after the shot and last one to two
days. They include:
- A low fever.
- Aches.
- Soreness, redness or swelling in the area where the shot was given.
How can I help prevent the seasonal flu?
To help prevent the spread of viruses and reduce your chances of getting the flu,
take proper precautions to stay healthy:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Stay home and limit your contact with others if you feel sick.
As part of our commitment to keeping you healthy during flu season, HMSA is now
offering one HMSA’s Online Care visit per person at no cost. With Online
Care, you can talk to local doctors any time of the day or night from the comfort
and privacy of your home.