That dreaded time of year is upon us.
Influenzaviruses, which cause the flu, have begun to make the rounds.
It hasnt really taken off yet, but its coming.
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Its key to bone up on flu knowledgeand get the vaccine.
But myths abound about how to protect yourself.
Here, experts explain what you should probably know.
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Influenza can also be dangerous for those who dont fall into these categories.
It happens every year, Schaffner says.
It usually lasts from around October to May at the latest, peaking between December and March.
We just have to wait and see.
Everyone older than six months should get vaccinated to protect themselves and those around them.
Still, the vaccine is the most important factor, experts say.
Each year, the virus mutates, Schaffner says.
The vaccine, which works by triggering the formation of antibodies that protect against the virus, isnt perfect.
All recommended vaccines protect against two influenza A virusesH3N2 and H1N1and one or two B viruses, Hirsch explains.
If one B virus is included along with the A viruses, the vaccine is called trivalent.
If two B viruses are included, its quadrivalent.
But the virus doesnt stop transforming once the medical community starts formulating the vaccine.
So, yes, you might get the flu even after getting the vaccine.
But if you do, youll likely deal with a milder bout of the illness.
You start exhaling the virus the day before youget sick, he says.
The virus is in your body and already being transmitted.
The injection product we use is an inactivated product.
Its not a live vaccine, so you cant get the flu from it.
Its normal to get a local reaction, like somesoreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site.
You might even get a fever for around 24 hours, Schaffner says.
But thats not the flu, its a common, harmless immune system reaction to the vaccine.
Some people get your garden variety cold after getting the vaccine and mistakenly blame the immunization.
The CDCdoesnt officially recommend one kind vaccine over the others for most people, so you have options.
The common standard-dose trivalent shots are created with inactive influenza viruses grown in eggs.
There are also tailored versions that are higher dose or trigger a stronger immune response for people over 65.
It also doesnt contain the antibiotics or preservatives that are present in egg-based vaccines.
The perks go beyond just shielding you.
The body makes its protection against the flu after vaccination, Schaffner says.
Once more, with feeling: Everyone over the age of six months should get vaccinated.
Beyond that, take it easy.
Watch: The Science Behind Your Flu Shot
