Knowledge Base

Knowledge Base > FAQ > Influenza

In response to many frequently asked questions about the flu, I have included this section which answers the most common questions that I am asked about the flu and about the flu vaccine.

1. What is the flu?
2. What are the symptoms of the flu?
3. How effective is the flu vaccine?
4. Is it true that the flu vaccine gives you a mild case of the flu?
5. Can you get the flu vaccine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding?
6. I am allergic to eggs. Can I still get the flu shot?
7. My child has asthma, should they get a flu shot?
8. When is a child old enough to receive a flu shot?
9. What is all the hooey about this new intranasal flu vaccine?
10. Why do you have to get a flu shot every year?
11. I have never had the flu. Do I really need to get a flu shot?
12. I don't feel like getting a flu shot. Can't I just take some medicine if I get the flu?

1

The "flu" is a viral illness caused by the influenza virus. It is typically prevalent in the winter time.

2

Common symptoms of the flu are high fever (103-104 F), cough, headache, and profound muscle aches. Contrary to popular opinion, the flu does not generally have vomiting and diarrhea associated with it. Many people will say that they have the "stomach flu" in association with a viral illness that has associated vomiting and diarrhea. However, it is not the same virus that causes the flu.

3

Of course there are no guarantees but it is usually between 70% and 80% effective in healthy individuals for both intramuscular and intranasal flu vaccine.

4

We use a version of the flu vaccine called the "split virus" vaccine which has a lower incidence of side effects than the original whole virus vaccine. As a general rule most people who receive a flu shot have little or no side effects. The most common side effects are local muscle irritation at the site of injection and low grade fever.

5

It is generally recommended for women who are in the second or third trimester of pregnancy during flu season because pregnancy increases the risk of complications and hospitalization from influenza. Breastfeeding mothers may also receive the flu vaccine.

6

No. Neither injectable nor intranasal flu vaccine are recommended for persons with egg allergy.

7

Absolutely. Influenza can trigger a severe asthma attack.

8

A child must be 6 months of age to receive the injectable flu vaccine and 2 years of age to receive the intranasal flu vaccine.

9

There is now a new intranasal flu vaccine available called Flumist® which is avaiable for all persons 2 - 49 years of age. A recent study showed that it was 50% more effective than the flu shot and no injection is necessary.

10

Because the influenza virus undergoes minor changes each year called "antigenic drifts" that changes it just enough so that the previous years vaccine is no longer effective. We are able to predict these "antigenic drifts" to a certain extent and that is how a new flu vaccine is able to be manufactured each year before the flu season starts.

11

It is hit or miss who gets the flu and what year will be your year to get the flu. One could go several years without having the flu and all of the sudden...BAM!....you get the flu and your down for the count.

12

It's true, there is some medicine that if started within 48 hours after the onset of symptoms that can help to shorten the course of the illness. The key words her is "IF" the medicine is started on time and "SHORTEN" the course of the illness. Unless you are the type that goes to the doctor on the first day of an illness you are unlikely to go to the doctor to get the medicine within the 48 hour window you have to start the antiviral medication. Even then it only shortens the illness and you are still miserable for several days. Plus, only children one year of age and older are candidates for the antiviral medication. That means children 6-12 months at age who get the flu will not be able to do anything once they get it.