An annual seasonal flu shot vaccine is the best way to reduce the chances that you will get seasonal flu and spread it to others. When more people get vaccinated against the flu, less flu can spread through that community. Influenza viruses typically circulate from late fall through early Spring.
What is Influenza (also called Flu)?
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death, especially with adults over 65, children younger than 2 years old, pregnant women, and those with chronic medical conditions. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.
Signs and Symptoms of Flu
People who have the flu often feel some or all of these signs and symptoms that usually start suddenly, not gradually:
• Fever* or feeling feverish/chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue (very tired)
• Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in young children than in adults.
*It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.
Who Should Get the Vaccine and When?
CDC advises routine annual influenza vaccinations for all persons aged 6 months and older who do not have contraindications. Optimally, vaccination should occur before onset of influenza activity in the community. Health care providers should offer vaccination by October, if possible. Vaccination should continue to be offered as long as influenza viruses are circulating. To avoid missed opportunities for vaccination, providers should offer vaccination to unvaccinated persons aged ≥6 months during routine health care visits and hospitalizations when vaccine is available.
For more information the CDC’s Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza with Vaccines website, https://www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm
If You Are Looking for a Flu, or COVID-19 Vaccine:
Check with your usual heath care provider for availability of influenza, COVID-19 vaccination availability or visit the federal governments website for where to locate a vaccination site by putting in a zip code. In addition, general information on Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV) can also be found at: www.vaccines.gov
Connecticut Department of Public Health also links to a site, EasyVax Scheduler | Vaccines, that lists other vaccines individual age groups may be looking for and then gives a pharmacy that has the specific vaccine.
For More Information About the Seasonal Flu:
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SOURCE: Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Connecticut Department of Public Health; American Lung Association
PREPARED BY: 211/mm
CONTENT LAST REVIEWED: October2024