The nasal spray flu vaccine is once again a recommended option for
influenza vaccination. During the past two flu seasons, the nasal
spray was not recommended due to concern about its effectiveness.
“It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies that
protect against flu to develop in the body,” said IDPH Director
Nirav D. Shah, M.D., J.D. “The flu season typically starts around
October so we recommend you make plans to get vaccinated now, before
flu season begins.”
Flu activity peaks between December and February, but activity can
last as late as May. Flu is a contagious respiratory illness that
can cause mild to severe illness. Serious cases of flu can result in
hospitalization or death.
Getting an annual flu vaccine is the first and best way to protect
yourself and your family from the flu. It 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 younger
than six months. Anyone can get the flu, even healthy people.
Getting vaccinated 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.
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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.
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. You can also use the online Vaccine
Finder.
[Illinois Department of Public Health] |