Flu shots: The best way to avoid a bad case of the flu

Photo of Dr. Eric Simon

"You can't say your son is a doctor if you don't get a flu shot," Eric Simon, MD, tells his mother.

Like many other doctors, the family physician at Allina Medical Clinic-Elk River recommends an annual flu shot for nearly all of his patients. It's the best way to avoid a bad case of the flu.

Dr. Simon answers some common questions about flu shots.

Can you get sick from a flu shot?

Can you still get the flu even though you've had a flu shot?

Who should get a flu shot?

Who should not get a flu shot?

I don't like needles. Can I get the nasal spray vaccine?

When should you get a flu shot?

Where can you get a flu shot?

Can you get sick from a flu shot?

You cannot get the flu (influenza) from a flu shot. The influenza vaccine is made from an inactive virus. But some people can get a mild fever, an almost cold-like syndrome, for about a day or so after getting the shot.

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Can you still get the flu even though you've had a flu shot?

A flu shot is not a surefire thing. Each year, the influenza vaccine is developed according to what's expected for the coming flu season. But there are many more strains than what we vaccinate for.

In general, people who've had a flu shot may get minor cases of the flu (influenza). They experience fewer, less severe symptoms and are sick for a shorter time than those who never got a flu shot.

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Who should get a flu shot?

Nearly anyone over the age of six months could benefit from it.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention especially recommend annual flu shots for people who could suffer serious side effects or complications from influenza. They include…

healthy babies and children, 6 months to 5 years old
pregnant women
persons over the age of 50
kids and adults with chronic diseases like asthma, cancer, heart disease, HIV/AIDS, kidney or lung disease

Those who live with or care for – and can give the flu to – the persons listed above should also get an annual flu shot. This includes family members, health care workers, day care providers and teachers.

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Who should not get a flu shot?

If you're allergic to eggs, have had a bad flu shot reaction or Guillain-Barré syndrome, don't get a flu shot before consulting your doctor.

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I don't like needles. Can I get the nasal spray vaccine?

Often called FluMist®, the live nasal spray flu vaccine can be an option for healthy people, who are 5 to 49 years-old and are not pregnant. But some doctors or clinics do not use FluMist because of how it might affect unhealthy people nearby. That's why the Centers for Disease Control added the following to its influenza vaccine guidelines:

Anyone who receives the live flu vaccine should stay away from people with weak immune systems (for example from HIV/AIDS, certain medicines, chemotherapy, radiation) for seven days.
Health care workers, household members and others in close contact with people with weak immune systems should have a regular flu shot (inactivated vaccine). They may receive the nasal spray version (live vaccine) if they will not be near someone with a weakened immune system for at least seven days.
People with weakened immune systems should not even give someone else FluMist.

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When should you get a flu shot?

Generally, you should try to have a flu shot shortly before flu season starts in November or December. You can get the shot afterwards, as long as supplies last. But the vaccine can be hard to find in mid to late winter.

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Where can you get a flu shot?

Call your clinic. They probably are setting up flu shot appointments right now.

If you work in health care or public service, you might be able to get the shot at work.

For places in Minnesota where you can get flu shots, visit the Department of Health's Web site. The locations listed range from clinics and hospitals to drug stores and community centers.

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