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Frequently Asked Questions
Seasonal Flu - FAQs
Pandemic Flu - FAQs
H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) - FAQs
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 Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about seasonal flu. Seasonal Flu - FAQs
Back The flu is a respiratory illness that is caused by influenza viruses. It is different than many other viral respiratory infections, including the common cold, because it can cause serious illness and life-threatening complications in many cases. Back No, but you should still get one every year to increase your chances of staying healthy. Back Yes, but they are typically minor. The most common side effect is soreness, redness or swelling where the shot is given. Some people may also have a fever or muscle soreness. If these side effects occur, they start shortly after the shot and last one to two days. Back The chance that you will have a severe reaction is very small. However, call your doctor immediately if you experience high fever, shortness of breath, dizziness, hives or a rapid heartbeat. Back Yes. The effectiveness of flu vaccine depends on two things: your general health and age, and the similarity between the virus strains in the vaccine and those currently circulating. Back More often than not, the influenza vaccine will prevent serious illness stemming from the influenza virus. However, it will not prevent comparable illnesses that are brought on by other viruses. Back Some inactivated influenza vaccine contains a preservative called thimerosal, which contains mercury. However, in 2004, the Institute of Medicine made the conclusion that there is no evidence that thimerosal is related to developmental problems in children. If you are still concerned, ask your doctor about a thimerosal-free version. Back Yes. Influenza viruses are always changing, and a new influenza vaccine is developed each year. Back Most people need a single flu shot each year. However, children younger than nine years of age who are getting their first flu shot should get two doses at least one month apart. Back The best time to get a flu shot is before flu season starts in October or November, but it still helps to get a shot anytime during the flu season. It takes about two weeks to develop protection against infection, and protection can last for up to a year. Back No. The viruses are killed viruses and cannot cause influenza. These viruses cause your immune system to make antibodies, so that if you are exposed to live flu viruses, your immune system will immediately start protecting you. Back No. Some people should ask a doctor before being vaccinated. They include those who:
If you fall into one of the categories below or live with or care for someone who does, you are at a higher risk for developing serious complications and should make it a priority to get a flu shot:
Back Both types of flu vaccines-the flu shot and the nasal-spray vaccine-work the same way: they cause antibodies to develop in the body, and the antibodies then provide protection against influenza virus infection. Back Influenza is a serious illness, and anyone can get it. A yearly flu vaccine is the best way to reduce your risk of getting the flu. Back If you have the flu, stay home from work, school and other public places and cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing. Back Washing your hands frequently, staying away from people who are sick and not touching items that someone with the flu may have touched are all good ways to protect yourself from the flu. Getting a flu shot every year is one of the best ways to avoid getting the flu. Back Most healthy adults may be able to infect others from one day before becoming sick until five days after they first experience symptoms. That means that you can spread the flu not only while you are sick, but also before you know you are sick. Back If you are exposed to the flu virus, you will probably start to experience symptoms after one to four days. Back Human influenza viruses can typically survive on inanimate surfaces for two to eight hours. Back Back Influenza is caused by a virus, and viruses do not respond to antibiotics. Back Treatment usually focuses on easing symptoms. Antiviral drugs, such as Relenza and Tamiflu, can limit the intensity and/or duration of the symptoms. However, these medications must be given within 36 to 48 hours of being exposed to the virus in order to be effective. If you develop a high fever with a dry cough, contact your doctor about these medications. For more information, see Questions and Answers: Influenza Antiviral Medications(CDC). Back Flu activity in the United States is typically highest between late February and early March. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) monitors circulating flu viruses and disease activity and provides influenza reports each week from October through May. See the Weekly U.S. Influenza Summary Update. Back The flu shares some symptoms with the common cold, including runny nose, sneezing and sore throat. However, if you are an adult and have a fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or more, you may have the flu. If so, your fever may last anywhere from one day to a week and in some cases may climb as high as 106 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, the flu typically makes you feel much worse than a cold. Even after you're better, you may still feel tired. Back The flu is spread from person to person when someone who already has the flu sneezes or coughs. You can also catch the flu by touching an object, such as a doorknob, that has influenza germs on it and then touching your own eyes, nose or mouth. Even if you don't feel sick yet, you may be able to infect others with the flu virus. Back If you have the flu, you may have a fever, chills, dry cough, headache, fatigue, sore muscles and sore throat. Flu symptoms can last anywhere from two to seven days. In addition, children can sometimes experience vomiting and nausea. Other people, particularly those who are elderly, may also develop a secondary bacterial infection, such as pneumonia. |
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