Influenza Information
Flu Season
The flu season starts when the cold weather starts.
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Flu Season In The United States
In the United States, the flu season usually begins in October and ends in May. When it is coldest in December to
March that is when it is more likely for you to get the flu virus. This can change from year to year.
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Who Should Get The Flu Shot?
In general, anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu can get vaccinated. However, certain people should get vaccinated each year.
They are either people who are at high risk of having serious flu complications or people who live with or care for those at high risk for serious complications.
During flu seasons when vaccine supplies are limited or delayed, the ACIP makes recommendations regarding priority groups for vaccination.
People at high risk for complications from the flu, including:
- Children aged 6 months until their 5th birthday,
- Pregnant women,
- People 50 years of age and older, and
- People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions;
- People who live in nursing homes and other long term care facilities.
People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:
- Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu (see above)
- Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)
- Healthcare workers.
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Who Should Not Get The Flu Shot?
People at high risk for complications from the flu, including:
- Have ever had a severe allergic reaction to eggs or to a previous flu shot
- Have a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS).
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Flu Vaccine Information
The flu vaccine helps to prevent and reduce your chances of getting the flu which can make you feel sick. It is recommended for you and your
family members to get a flu vaccination each year in the month of September. Since the flu vaccine is developed from
different viruses and not all can be predicted for the flu season, you may still get sick from other viruses in your area.
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Different Types of Flu Vaccines
There are two types of flu vaccines:
A shot, commonly known as the “flu shot,” is given in the arm. Another name for this vaccine is, “Trivalent Inactivated Influenza Vaccine,”
or TIV for short. Children ages 8 years old and younger receive 2 shots. The second shot is given 4 weeks after the first.
A nasal flu spray vaccine. It is a spray dispensed in the nose that consists of a weakened vaccine. Another name for this vaccine
is, “Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine,” or LAIV for short. Children ages 8 years old and younger receive 2 doses (sprays in the nose). The second dose is given 6 weeks after the first.
Every year a new flu vaccine is made based on different viruses that change from year to year. The vaccines include influenza type A and influenza type B viruses expected to circulate during the flu season.
Since the viruses have been changed to not be harmful, they cannot cause illness. If a new type of virus appears after the vaccine has been sent to doctor’s
offices and clinics, you still may get sick, even if you receive the flu vaccine.
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Possible Side Effects
Some side effects in children and adults include:
- Fever
- Drowsiness
- Tenderness at the site of the injection
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Allergy Warning
There is a low risk of allergic reaction to the flu vaccines. People who have had a severe reaction to eggs or to a flu shot in the past should talk to
their doctor before getting the flu vaccine.
Signs of serious allergic reaction can include:
- Breathing problems
- Hoarseness or wheezing
- Color of skin turns pale
- Hives (bumps or a rash on the skin)
- Weakness
- A Fast Heartbeat
- Dizziness