According to the CDC, flu activity in the U.S. is increasing. The agency recommends that everyone six months or older get a flu vaccine from their family doctors to help protect themselves against this dangerous illness. Find out more about how the vaccine works with these frequently asked questions.

What You Should Know About Flu Vaccines

What is the flu?

Influenza, or the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness spread by a virus. Symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, cough, sore throat, and a runny or stuffy nose. Although most people recover within a week or two, the illness can require hospitalization for the elderly, young children, and those with chronic respiratory conditions like asthma.

Is the flu vaccine effective? 

The dominant flu virus changes every year. Therefore, any immunity you have to previous flu viruses may not prevent infection from this year’s variant. Although it’s impossible to predict with 100% certainty which viruses will be the most dominant, this year’s version of the vaccine was developed to protect against four different strains of the flu that researchers predict with be the most prevalent.

Can I get the flu from the vaccine?

Because the vaccine only uses an inactive virus to create immunity, it can’t cause the flu. If you do get sick soon after your vaccination, it’s likely because of a different illness with similar symptoms or you were exposed to the flu virus just before getting the treatment.

It can take up to two weeks for a flu vaccine to take effect, so if you’re exposed in that time, you may get a milder version of the virus.

I never get sick. Do I still need the vaccine?

The CDC recommends that everyone get the flu vaccination, even if you don't typically get sick during the winter months. Even people who don’t have symptoms of the virus can be contagious. If you live or work with others who are more vulnerable, you put them at risk of infection.

If you do develop symptoms, antiviral medications like Tamiflu are only effective if your family doctor prescribes them within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. It’s much safer to take preventative action instead.

If you still need your flu vaccine, the family doctors at Fairbanks Clinic, Inc. are ready to help. They’ve provided compassionate care to patients in Alaska since 1932, and they offer a convenient Patient Portal to help you manage your healthcare online. Explore services for the whole family online, or call (907) 452-1761 for an appointment.