Influenza vaccine annually

Overview

Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses. The flu vaccine is a yearly shot or nasal spray that trains your immune system to protect against the flu viruses most likely to spread during the upcoming season.

Yes. Seasonal flu affects millions of people around the world each year, and flu vaccination is a routine part of preventive care in many countries.

The vaccine is recommended for nearly everyone, and it is especially important for young children, older adults, pregnant people, and people with long-term health conditions, who are at higher risk of severe flu.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• Fatigue (tiredness)

Symptoms in children

• Vomiting or diarrhea (in addition to the common symptoms)
• Ear pain
• Being less playful or more fussy than usual

Symptoms in older adults

• Sometimes no fever, or a lower fever than expected
• Confusion or unusual behavior
• Dizziness and weakness
• Worsening of existing health problems like heart or lung disease

Causes

Main causes

• Influenza is caused by influenza A and B viruses.
• The viruses spread through droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
• You can also catch the flu by touching a surface that has the virus on it and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Risk factors

• Being younger than 5 or older than 65
• Pregnancy (especially later stages)
• Chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or kidney disease
• Weakened immune system (for example, from illness or certain medicines)
• Living in a nursing home or long-term care facility

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you or someone you care for has any of the emergency symptoms listed above, call your local emergency number right away.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Schedule a visit with your healthcare provider if your flu symptoms are severe, last longer than 10 days, or you have a chronic condition and start to feel flu-like symptoms.
• Also talk to your provider about getting the annual flu vaccine, ideally before flu season begins.

Diagnosis

Doctors usually diagnose the flu based on your symptoms, especially during flu season, and may use a swab test from your nose or throat to confirm if needed.

Tests that may be done

• Rapid flu test (a swab from the nose or throat that gives results in about 15 minutes)
• Molecular test (PCR) that is more accurate and gives results within a few hours or a day

What to expect at your appointment

Your provider will ask about your symptoms and any recent exposure to flu. The swab test is quick and may feel slightly uncomfortable but is not painful. Depending on your age and health, you may not need any tests if the flu is likely.

Treatment

For most healthy people, the flu gets better on its own with rest, fluids, and time at home. Some people who are at higher risk may benefit from antiviral medicines, which are prescription treatments that can shorten the illness if started early.

Self-care at home

• Rest in bed and get plenty of sleep
• Drink plenty of fluids such as water, warm broth, or herbal tea
• Use a cool-mist humidifier or take a warm bath to ease congestion
• Ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider about safe over-the-counter options to reduce fever and body aches

Medical treatments

Antiviral medications can reduce the length and severity of the flu, but they work best when started within 48 hours of symptoms beginning. Your healthcare provider can decide if an antiviral is appropriate for you. Antibiotics do not work against the flu because it is caused by a virus, not bacteria.

Living with this condition

If you have the flu, stay home from work, school, and social events until you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without using fever-reducing medicine. Rest, drink fluids, and wash your hands often to protect others. Most people feel better within one to two weeks.

Lifestyle tips

• Get the flu vaccine every year, ideally in early autumn before flu season peaks
• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizer
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Clean frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, and phones
• Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow

Diet and exercise

Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to keep your immune system strong. Regular exercise helps overall health, but if you are sick with the flu, rest and skip intense exercise until you feel better. Drink extra fluids when you are recovering.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Being sick with the flu can make you feel tired, frustrated, or anxious. It is normal to feel down while you recover. Give yourself time to heal, and reach out to friends or family if you need emotional support. If these feelings last more than two weeks after recovery, talk to your healthcare provider.

Prevention

Yes. The flu vaccine is the most effective way to reduce your risk of getting the flu and spreading it to others. Good hand hygiene and avoiding close contact with sick people also help.

Vaccines

There are several types of flu vaccine, including the standard shot, a high-dose shot for older adults, and a nasal spray. The vaccine is updated each year to match the circulating strains, so it is important to get a new dose every year. Your healthcare provider can recommend the best option for you based on your age and health.

Complications

If left untreated

• Ear and sinus infections
• Bronchitis (inflammation of the airways)
• Pneumonia (a serious lung infection)
• Worsening of chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart failure
• In rare cases, severe complications leading to hospitalization

Long-term outlook

Most people recover from the flu within one to two weeks with rest and self-care. Getting vaccinated every year greatly lowers your chance of catching the flu and having severe complications. Even if you do get sick after vaccination, your illness is often shorter and milder. The vaccine also helps protect your family, friends, and community.

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