Protect Yourself from Seasonal Flu

Everyone age 6 months and older needs to get a flu shot (vaccine) every year. The seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and others from the flu.

For many people, the seasonal flu is a mild illness. But sometimes, the flu can be dangerous or even deadly.

The flu:

• Is linked to serious infections like pneumonia (“noo-MOHN-yah”)
• Can make existing health problems worse (for example, long-term heart or lung disease)
• Can lead to hospitalization or death

Flu vaccines can help prevent people from getting sick with the flu – and reduce the risk of hospitalizations and death caused by the flu.

The flu spreads easily from person to person. When you get a flu vaccine, you don’t just protect yourself. You also protect everyone around you.

When do I need to get the seasonal flu vaccine?

It’s best to get a flu vaccine by the end of October if you can. After you get the vaccine, it takes about 2 weeks for your body to develop protection against the flu. That’s why it’s a good idea to get the vaccine before the flu may start to spread in your community.

If you don’t get the vaccine in October, it’s not too late. Getting the vaccine later can still protect you from the flu. Keep in mind that flu season can last as late as May.

What is the flu?

The flu is caused by viruses that infect your nose, throat, and lungs. It’s easily spread from person to person when someone with the flu coughs, sneezes, or talks. It's also possible to get the flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes. 

Symptoms of the flu may include:

• Headache
• Tiredness
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Fever of 100 °F or higher
• Feeling feverish or having chills

For some people, the flu may also cause vomiting (throwing up) and diarrhea (frequent, watery poop). This is more common in children than adults.

Remember, not everyone with the flu has a fever.

How is the flu vaccine given?

Most people get the flu vaccine as a shot. A nasal spray is available but it's not recommended because it may not provide the same protection as the shot.

The best way to protect yourself and others around you is to get a flu shot every year. 

Are there any side effects from the seasonal flu vaccine?

For many people, getting a flu shot doesn’t cause any side effects. If it does cause side effects, they are usually mild and begin soon after the vaccine is given. Side effects from the flu shot usually last 1 to 2 days.

Side effects may include:

• Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given
• Low fever
• Aches

These side effects aren’t the flu. You can’t get the flu from the flu shot.

Am I at high risk for serious complications from the flu?

For some people, the flu is more likely to cause serious illness that can lead to hospitalization or even death. 

People at high risk for getting complications from the flu include:

• Children under age 5 – especially children under age 2
• Pregnant women and women who've had a baby in the last 2 weeks
• Adults age 65 and older
• People with some long-term health conditions (for example, asthma, diabetes, or heart disease)
• People who live in long-term care facilities, like nursing homes
• American Indians and Alaska Natives [PDF - 1.1 MB]
• People who are very obese

If you are at high risk from the flu, it’s especially important to get a vaccine before the flu starts to spread in your community.

If you care for or spend time with someone at high risk from the flu, you can protect both of you by getting a flu vaccine.

Is there medicine that can treat the flu?

Yes. If you get sick with the flu, your doctor may prescribe medicines called antiviral drugs. Antiviral drugs can help you feel less sick and shorten the time you are sick.

If you are at high risk for complications from the flu, it’s important to ask your doctor about antiviral drugs right away.

Antiviral drugs work best if you start taking them in the first 2 days after you get sick. But they may still help if you take them later on, especially if you are very sick.

Get the facts about flu antiviral medicine.

Flu shots are offered in many locations. You can get a flu shot at a doctor’s office, health clinic, pharmacy, or your local health department. Your employer may also offer the flu shot.

Find out where to get a flu vaccine near you.

Use this vaccine locator to find out where you can get a flu vaccine near you.

What about cost?

Under the Affordable Care Act, the health care reform law passed in 2010, insurance plans must cover the seasonal flu vaccine.

• Depending on your insurance, you may be able to get the flu vaccine at no cost to you. Talk to your insurance company to find out more. 
• If you have Medicare Part B, you can get a flu vaccine for free.

To learn more about other services covered by the Affordable Care Act, visit HealthCare.gov.

Protect yourself and others from the flu.

Getting a flu vaccine is the first and most important step in protecting yourself from the flu.

Here are some other things you can do to help protect yourself and others from the flu:

• Stay away from people who are sick with the flu.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand rub (hand sanitizer).
• Try not to touch your nose, mouth, or eyes.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze – whether or not you have the flu.
• If you have the flu, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone.

Remember, people with the flu can spread it to others even if they don’t feel sick. Usually, adults with the flu can spread the virus starting the day before they first feel sick – and up to 5 to 7 days after they first felt sick. Children may be able to spread the virus for even longer than 7 days.