Flu Shots: It's Not Too Late

It's December and everywhere you look friends and family are down with flu symptoms: fevers, body aches, and fatigue.

If you're still feeling pretty chipper yourself, great! But if you want to hedge your bets, it's good to know that - even though flu season is in full swing - it's not too late for the added protection of a flu shot. And this year, with the H1N1 swine flu about, you’ll need two flu shots to protect yourself.

Flu viruses change from year to year. So each year, manufacturers develop a new vaccine based on predictions of what kind of viruses will be around during flu season. In the spring of 2009, the H1N1 virus spread to the U.S. too late to be included in the regular “seasonal vaccine.” So a separate vaccine – the H1N1 flu vaccine -- was developed.

Flu Vaccines: Shots and Mists

The best way to protect yourself against the flu is to get vaccinated, say the experts at the CDC. That means getting a flu shot or the nasal-spray flu vaccine (also called a flu mist), preferably between October and November.

Yet there's time for prevention, even now. Flu season usually peaks in February -- though it can spike anywhere from November to May. So, a flu shot as late as January can help protect you and others from down-time with the flu bug. And you can boost the power of prevention by:

• Scrubbing your hands often
• Getting plenty of rest
• Exercising most days
• Eating a healthy, balanced diet

Flu Shots FAQ

Won't a flu shot make me sick?
Have no fear, getting vaccinated against the flu won't give you influenza. The flu shot is made of a killed virus; the mist is made of a live, but weakened strain. Both vaccines may produce mild symptoms like muscle aches and a runny nose, but these symptoms are brief and far less severe than the actual flu itself.

Is the new H1N1 vaccine safe?

The H1N1 vaccine is made exactly the same way as the seasonal vaccine that is given safely to millions of people every year. In fact, if the H1N1 virus had appeared earlier, protection against it would have been included as part of this year's seasonal vaccine. The vaccine was fully tested and then licensed by the FDA before being made available to the public. You can feel comfortable taking the vaccine, knowing there is no more risk involved with this vaccine than there is with the regular seasonal vaccine.

I'm pregnant, should I get both flu shots?
Pregnant women can be particularly vulnerable to flu complications, which include bacterial pneumonia, sinus infections, and dehydration.

If you'll be pregnant during flu season, the CDC recommends getting vaccinated with both the seasonal and swine flu shots. The flu mist is not recommended for pregnant women.

Should everyone be vaccinated?
While the experts recommend flu vaccinations for most people, they're not right for everyone.

The flu mist is only recommended for nonpregnant, healthy people, age 5 through 49.

Any kind of flu vaccination -- shot or mist -- may not be suitable for those with chronic health issues, severe allergies to eggs, compromised health, or under 6 months old.

Not sure if these limitations apply to you? Give your doctor a call.