Frequently Asked Questions About the Flu
Arm yourself against the flu this winter with a flu shot. Learn more about possible reactions to the shot, the shot's effectiveness and a general definition of the flu and facts for determining if you are at high risk for influenza-related complications.
– Who Should Receive a Flu Shot?
– Are There Any Reactions to the Shot?
– How Effective is the Flu Shot?
– What is Influenza - "The Flu"?
– Who's At Risk?
– Can I Receive the Shot If I Am Pregnant and/or 16 Years of Age or Under?
– Will the annual flu shot protect me against Bird Flu?
Who Should Receive a Flu Shot?
Influenza vaccine distribution delays or vaccine supply shortages have occurred in the United States in three of the last five influenza seasons. In response, prioritization has been implemented in previous years to ensure that enough vaccine is available for those at the highest risk for complications from influenza.
The Center for Disease Control recommends annual influenza vaccination for the following groups:
Persons at high risk for influenza-related complications and severe disease, including:
- children aged 6-59 months
- pregnant women
- persons aged 50 years or older
- persons of any age with certain chronic medical conditions; and
Persons who live with or care for persons at high risk, including:
- household contacts who have frequent contact with persons at high risk and who can transmit influenza to those persons at high risk and
- health-care workers.
Are There Any Reactions to the Shot?
The most common side effect is soreness of the arm and/or injection site for up to two days. Less common side effects are fever and some fatigue. Allergic reactions are rare; most are commonly associated with an allergy to eggs.
How Effective is the Flu Shot?
As with any vaccine, it may not protect 100% of all at-risk individuals. Each spring, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) determines which viruses are expected the following fall. Because the flu virus changes to evade existing antibodies, a new flu vaccine is produced each year.
A yearly flu shot is about 70%-90% effective in preventing the flu in healthy young adults. According to the CDC, in the elderly and those with certain chronic medical conditions, the vaccine is often less effective; however, the flu shot helps reduce the severity of illness, the risk of serious complications and death. Studies have shown the vaccine to reduce hospitalization by about 70% and death by about 85% among the elderly who are not in nursing homes. The flu shot is produced using the inactive flu virus and will not cause someone to actually come down with the flu. It takes approximately two weeks for the vaccine to take effect.
What is Influenza - "The Flu"?
The influenza virus, commonly referred to as "the flu," is a viral respiratory illness that can begin abruptly and whose symptoms may include fever, chills, sore throat, cough and headache.
Flu symptoms usually develop in two to four days. Characteristic signs of flu include a high fever (100 degrees F - 103 degrees F), chills, headache, extreme exhaustion and aching muscles.
The fever generally begins to taper off by the second or third day of illness. Nausea is rare, although people often confuse "stomach flu" with influenza.
According to the CDC, most people who get the flu recover completely in one to two weeks, but some people develop serious and potentially life-threatening medical complications, such as pneumonia.
Who's At Risk?
For facts determining if you are at high risk, contact the Centers For Disease Control. Patients who are at high risk for influenza-related complications are encouraged to receive the flu shot first.
Can I Receive the Shot If I Am Pregnant and/or 16 Years of Age or Under?
Women who are pregnant must have a written physician’s order to receive the flu vaccination.
A written physician’s order and parental consent is required for anyone 16-17 years of age.
Will the annual flu shot protect me against Bird Flu?
No, there currently is no commercially available vaccine to protect humans against Avian (Bird) Flu caused by H5N1 virus.
Please note that the American Red Cross Greater Kansas City Chapter is unable to administer the flu vaccination to children less than 16 years of age. Please see your child’s pediatrician or local health department for more information about finding vaccinations for members of these priority groups.
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