Updated on June 21, 2024.
Influenza is a common infection that affects your nose, throat, and lungs. It is caused by a virus and spreads easily. You know it better as the flu.
Flu season begins in October and lasts until May. Most cases usually happen between December and February.
Millions of people in the United States get the flu each year. But there are still many myths about the virus.
Here are some facts about the flu, so you can stay healthy this season.
Only the flu virus can cause the flu
The flu is caused by the influenza virus. It’s not caused by the weather or another kind of virus. There are two types of the flu virus. They are types A and B.
Flu symptoms often include:
- A fever
- Chills
- Coughing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue, or extreme tiredness
The flu and the common cold have some of the same symptoms, like a runny nose. It can be hard to tell the difference between the two. But cold symptoms are usually milder.
Contact a healthcare provider (HCP) if you have the flu and you:
- Are pregnant
- Are older than age 65
- Have a long-term (chronic) illness
- Have a weakened immune system
People in these groups are at higher risk for complications. Complications are health problems that are caused by the flu or its treatment.
Anyone can get flu
It is important for your health to get enough sleep and eat a healthy diet. But taking these steps may not protect you from catching the flu.
No type of person is more or less likely to get the flu virus. But some people are more likely to become severely sick if they catch the flu. These include people who have breathing issues already. For example, a person with asthma may have more trouble if they get the flu.
People who are in good health will often recover from the flu without problems. But people in higher-risk groups may need:
- Special medicine called antiviral medication
- To go to a hospital
- Other treatments
Vaccines don’t cause the flu
The flu shot can cause side effects. These may include:
- Soreness and swelling where you got the shot
- Headache
- Nausea
But it cannot cause the flu. Here’s why: The flu vaccine contains a little bit of virus. But the virus has been shut down. It can’t infect you. Instead, it trains your immune system to be ready for the real thing.
It can take two weeks for the vaccine to fully protect you. You can get sick with the flu during that time.
You can take steps to prevent the flu
The best thing a person can do to avoid the flu is to wash their hands. Don’t forget to clean:
- Your palms and fingers
- The back of your hands
- Between your fingers
- Under your nails
Wash for at least 20 seconds, or about the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday.” If you don’t have soap and water, use hand sanitizer. It should contain at least 60 percent alcohol.
You can also lower your flu risk by staying away from people who are sick. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, as well.
If you already have the flu, stay home. It helps to protect the people around you and in your community.
People with egg allergies can get the flu vaccine
The flu vaccine contains a very small amount of egg protein. In the past, the shot was not recommended for people with egg allergies. If they got the shot, they would be watched closely for up to 30 minutes after.
Now it is different. Here are the newer guidelines:
- If you’ve had a mild reaction before: You do not have to be watched for 30 minutes. A mild reaction might include hives, which are small and itchy bumps.
- If you’ve had a serious reaction before: You should get a shot in a doctor’s office. The staff must be ready in case you have another reaction. A serious reaction might be swelling or problems breathing.
- If you’ve had a severe allergic reaction before: You shouldn’t get the vaccine. A severe reaction is called anaphylaxis. It happens in seconds or minutes and can be deadly.
Talk to an HCP or pharmacist about any allergic reactions you’ve had to the flu shot before.
There is a right time to get the vaccine
When is the best time to receive your flu vaccine? It is possible to catch the flu at any time of the year. But it is best to get the shot early in the flu season. It often starts in October.
Remember, it can take up to two weeks for the vaccine to fully protect you. So, try to get your flu shot sometime in October.
