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 Because of concerns about how well the nasal spray
vaccine worked during the past two flu seasons, the Advisory
Committee on Immunization Practices is recommending people get a flu
shot and not the nasal spray. Getting an annual flu vaccine is the
first and best way to protect yourself and your family from the flu.
“We recommend people get a flu shot by the end of October, if
possible. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the body’s
immune response to fully respond and for you to be protected,” said IDPH Director Nirav D. Shah, M.D., J.D. “Therefore, it’s better to
be vaccinated before flu viruses start circulating.”
The flu season typically begins in October and peaks between
December and March. The flu is a contagious respiratory illness that
can cause mild to severe illness. Serious cases of flu can result in
hospitalization or death.
Getting a flu shot can reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits, and
missed work and school due to flu, as well as prevent flu-related
hospitalizations. The more people who get vaccinated, the more
people will be protected from flu, especially those who may not be
able to be vaccinated, such as babies under six months. Anyone can
get the flu, even healthy people. Getting a flu shot is the first
and most important step in protecting you and those around you
against flu viruses.
Flu symptoms can include fever or feverish/chills, cough, sore
throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headache,
tiredness, and some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though
this is more common in children than adults.
Flu is typically spread by droplets when someone with
the flu talks, coughs, or sneezes. People can also get the flu by
touching something, like a door handle, that has the virus on it and
then touching their mouth, eyes, or nose.
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On average, it’s about two days after being exposed to the flu
before symptoms begin. However, you can pass the flu to someone roughly a day
before you start experiencing those symptoms, and up to 5 to 7 days after
becoming sick.
In addition to getting a flu shot, IDPH recommends following the 3 C’s: clean,
cover, and contain.
Clean – frequently wash your hands with soap and warm water.
Cover – cover your cough and sneeze.
Contain – contain your germs by staying home if you are sick.
Influenza antiviral drugs can be a second line of defense for treatment of some
who get sick with the flu. Many observational studies have found that in
addition to lessening the duration and severity of symptoms, antiviral drugs can
prevent flu complications. Because it is important to start antiviral medication
quickly, high-risk patients should contact a health care professional at the
first signs of influenza symptoms, which include sudden onset of fever, aches,
chills, and tiredness.
To find a location to get a flu shot in your community, check with your health
care provider or local health department.
[Illinois Department of Public
Health]
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