What are some misperceptions about flu shots?

Q: What are some common misconceptions about flu shots?

A: First, a flu shot cannot cause seasonal flu illness. Most flu vaccines are inactive and not infectious. People may feel flulike symptoms after a flu shot due to other respiratory viruses, such as rhinoviruses. The flu vaccine protects only against influenza viruses.

The CDC recommends that everyone over 6 months of age get a flu vaccine each year. Flu vaccines come as a shot or a nasal spray. The CDC recommends the nasal spray vaccine for healthy children 2 and up, as long as there are no contraindications.

You do not need a prescription for a flu vaccine. They are offered in many locations, such as doctor's offices, health clinics, hospitals, pharmacies, and college health centers, as well as by many employers and schools. Make an appointment to be vaccinated early in the season. It takes about two weeks after vaccination to develop protective antibodies. The vaccine protects against the influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the coming season.

Flu can be serious, especially among young children, older adults, and people with certain chronic conditions, such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes. To protect yourself and others, get vaccinated annually.

- Dr. Jennifer Patterson