Fact: The flu is more than just a bad cold.
Influenza is caused only by the influenza virus, but colds are caused by a variety of viruses. Symptoms of the flu and a cold can be similar, but flu symptoms are usually more intense and start more suddenly. Unlike the flu, colds usually do not cause serious health complications such as pneumonia, bacterial infections, or hospitalization.
Fact: The vaccine won’t give you the flu.
Influenza vaccines given by injection do not cause you to get the flu because they are made using only an inactivated virus or a single protein from the influenza virus. Nasal spray vaccines contain live virus, but the virus is weakened and cannot cause influenza.
Fact: Influenza vaccination is recommended annually.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older get the influenza vaccine annually. This is because a person’s immune protection from vaccination declines over time, and the influenza virus is constantly changing. New influenza vaccines are released every year to keep up with rapidly changing influenza viruses. That’s why it’s important to get the flu vaccine every year to get the most protection.
Fact: Flu vaccines are available in the fall and winter.
Influenza vaccination is recommended in September and October, before the influenza season begins in your area, but influenza vaccination in subsequent months will still provide protection. Therefore, you should try to get your flu shot as soon as possible, even if you missed your first vaccination.
Fact: The flu shot helps prevent serious illness.
Getting a flu shot every year not only protects yourself, but also protects those around you. Influenza can cause complications such as pneumonia, exacerbation of existing chronic conditions such as asthma and COPD, absenteeism from work, and even hospitalization. Influenza strains evolve and change over time, so avoiding vaccination puts you at risk each year.
Fact: People with asthma are at higher risk for complications from the flu.
Asthma is a chronic lung disease that causes swelling of the airways. If you get the flu, people with asthma may be at increased risk of serious illness and complications. Influenza infection can cause further swelling of the airways, triggering an asthma attack, worsening asthma symptoms, and leading to pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses. Learn more about flu symptoms and risk factors.
Influenza vaccination has a long-established safety profile for people with asthma. In fact, a study funded by the American Lung Association in 2001 found the influenza vaccine to be safe for people with asthma. There are contraindications and precautions for people with asthma and the nasal influenza vaccine. Always talk to your health care provider about vaccination options.
Fact: The flu can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.
Heart disease is a known risk factor for serious complications from influenza. During the 2023-2024 influenza season, among adults hospitalized with influenza, the top two underlying conditions reported were hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Recent research shows that influenza infection can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke. Annual flu vaccinations are especially important for people who are at high risk of developing serious flu complications, including heart disease.
Fact: The general public has a low risk of contracting H5N1 avian influenza.
Avian influenza, also known as avian influenza, spreads easily among birds but usually does not infect humans. Last year was the first time that avian influenza virus was detected in dairy cows. Outbreaks continue to occur in poultry and dairy cattle in the United States, and several people have been infected. The virus can be transmitted to workers who handle infected animals and their byproducts, such as dairy and poultry workers. Seasonal influenza vaccinations do not protect against avian influenza. For people at risk of H5N1 infection, such as dairy and poultry farm workers, it is important to get the influenza vaccination to protect against seasonal influenza and reduce the risk of co-infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is monitoring this situation using the Influenza Surveillance System.
Fact: Getting the flu vaccine is quick and easy.
Getting the flu vaccine only takes a few minutes. There are many common locations where you can make an appointment or come in person for a flu shot. Visit vaccination.gov to find a pharmacy near you or contact your local health department or health care provider to find out what vaccines are available. You can also schedule your flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine to be given at the same time. Most people who get the flu recover quickly without further medical problems, but for others, it can cause severe illness or death. To learn more about the importance of getting the flu vaccine, watch the “Influenza is a Severe Respiratory Illness” video or visit Lung.org/prevent-flu.
Support for this educational grant is provided by CSL Seqirus.
