Influenaza Vaccine – aka “the flu shot” Q and A

What is Influenza?

Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness which
presents as a range of symptoms from mild to severe. One common
misconception of influenza is that it is synonymous with the stomach
flu. Influenza and the stomach flu are two separate, unrelated
conditions, and the yearly influenza vaccine does not prevent the
stomach flu. Today’s blog will focus on influenza.

How can I
contract Influenza?

Influenza is transmitted through droplets of moisture
such as from sneezing or coughing. People can contract influenza at
any time throughout the year, but it usually occurs between the
months of October and May, with the largest number of infections
occurring in January and February.

What are
the symptoms of Influenza?

The condition can present as a variety of symptoms and
can be easily confused with other health conditions. Some of these
symptoms include muscle aches, fatigue, sore throat, headache,
fever/chills, cough or runny/stuffy nose. Most people recover within
a week of becoming ill.

Types of
Influenza Vaccines

• Influenza
  Shot:
  this is the inactivated vaccine and is what most people will receive
  when they become vaccinated.

• Influenza
  Spray: this
  is the weak, active form of the virus that is administered via a
  nasal spray.

• High-Dose
  Vaccine: this
  is four times the dose of the normal vaccine and is specifically for
  people age 65 and older, but has an increased incidence of side
  effects.

Who
should get the Influenza Vaccine?

The CDC recommends that all people older than 6 months
of age should receive the vaccine on a yearly basis. While young
children and people over the age of 65 have the highest rate of
infection, pregnant women or people with certain health conditions
such as a weakened immune system, or lung, kidney, or heart disease
can become very sick if they contract the virus.

Why
should I get the Influenza Vaccine every year?

Viruses are continuously changing, and as they change,
they are classified as different strains. Before the vaccines are
made every year, scientists try to match the vaccine to the top three
strains they believe will circulate for a given year. Receiving a flu
vaccine every year ensures optimal protection from the most recent
influenza strains.

When
should I get the Influenza Vaccine?

You should receive the influenza vaccine as early as it
is available, but it is never too late to receive it. The earlier you
receive it, the sooner you are protected from the virus. Once you
have been immunized, it takes about two weeks for the vaccine to
begin working, and the protection lasts for one year or longer for
the included strains.

Who
should NOT get the Influenza Vaccine?

• People who are severely allergic to eggs

• People who have had a major allergic reaction to a
  previous influenza vaccine

• People
  who have had Guillain-Barré
  Syndrome (GBS)

• People who are
  moderately to severely ill (these people should wait until they are
  feeling better)

What
risks are associated with the Influenza Vaccine?

There are minimal
risks associated with the influenza vaccine. The most common
complaint is an injection site reaction. This may include pain,
soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was administered.
Additionally, some people may notice aches, headache or fatigue after
receiving the vaccine. These symptoms usually occur soon after
receiving the vaccine and subside within 1 to 2 days.

Posting by Samantha
Keca, PharmD Candidate, UIC-Chicago