Flu’s Serious, Too
You’ve had the flu before and while it wasn’t fun, there are other viruses that you’re more worried about. But the flu can be a big deal. Influenza can be unpredictable and serious — even if you’re healthy.
Doctors recommend the flu vaccine as one way to lower your chances of getting sick — especially if you’re over 50 or have other health conditions.
Did you know your risk of a heart attack goes up if you have the flu? Getting the flu shot might be low on your to-do list. But it can help keep you safe, healthy and ready to tackle the season ahead of you.
Protect Yourself From Not Only the Flu — But Heart Attack and Stroke
FAQs About the Flu Shot
Does the flu vaccine give you the flu?
Some people wonder if the flu shot can give them the flu. The answer is no — while you might have mild side effects like fever or fatigue, those usually pass within a day or two and aren’t the flu itself.
Can I get my flu and COVID shots at the same time?
If you’re planning to get both a flu shot and a COVID booster, many providers can give them at the same visit. You can also choose to space them out if that’s more comfortable for you.
Will I still be able to get the flu shot if I’m sick?
It depends on how sick you are. If you have a mild cold, getting your flu shot when you’re sick is fine. But if you have a fever (100.4° F or 38° C for adults), you should wait until you get better to get the vaccine. The same is true if you’re sick enough to stay home from school or work and are completely miserable.
Are my kids allowed to get the flu shot?
Kids 6 months and older can get the flu vaccine.
Can I get a flu shot if I’m pregnant?
Yes. The flu vaccine is safe for pregnant women. It’s safer to get the flu shot than get sick, which could land you in the hospital. We recommend getting one as soon as it is available, no matter what trimester you’re in.
If I get a flu shot this year, will I ever need to get another?
Unfortunately, the flu vaccine isn’t a one-and-done shot. You need to get the flu vaccine every year before flu season starts. Why is that? There are many different flu strains (types). The influenza virus also changes (mutates) quickly. This means that the version of the flu we’re facing this year can be different from what we’ll see next year. Getting an annual shot is an important part of protecting yourself.
The Flu’s No Joke
Sometimes getting the flu can lead to complications. Explore why the flu can be serious.
Dangers of the Flu
The flu can be more than just a sick day or two. There are millions of flu cases each year — between 10% and 20% of the U.S. population is estimated to get the flu annually. And the flu doesn’t affect everyone equally. Your risk of severe flu complications goes up if you have conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease or lung disease. You can also be at a higher risk if you’re at opposite ends of the age spectrum — younger than age 2 or 65+.
Test Your Flu Knowledge
How much do you know about the flu? Take our pop quiz and find out.
Thinking About Skipping Your Flu Shot This Year?
While the flu is often mild, it can sometimes lead to hospitalization or, in rare cases, be life-threatening. Getting vaccinated early can lower your chances of getting seriously sick, and may also make symptoms milder if you do catch the flu.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about when it makes the most sense for you to get vaccinated this season.
