Get Your Flu Shot Today

The facts are simple: Getting a flu shot every year decreases your chances of getting the flu. And you’re less likely to be hospitalized or die from it, especially if you have heart disease or have had a stroke.

• Have heart disease or a history of stroke? During recent flu seasons, about half of all adults hospitalized for the flu also had heart disease. It’s important to get a flu shot every year to lower your risk of serious illness or hospitalization.
  
  Skip the nasal spray vaccine. It’s approved only for healthy nonpregnant people, ages 2-49. If you have heart disease, have other chronic conditions or are pregnant, choose a flu shot.
  
  
• 65 or older? A high-dose vaccine provides extra protection.
  
  Typically, the flu season hits people 65 and older the hardest. Between 70% and 85% of seasonal flu-related deaths happen in people 65 and older. Between 50% and 70% of seasonal flu-related hospital stays also hit this group.
  
  Ask your health care professional about a high-dose vaccine. If one isn’t available, a standard flu shot is better than none.
  
  
• Got kids, including babies? Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu shot every year. Some children up to age 8 need two doses at least four weeks apart. Talk to your health care professional for details.
  
  
• Unclear on timing? September and October are the best times for most people to get vaccinated. Try to get a flu shot by the end of October. Getting one after October can still provide protection during the height of flu season.

Bottom line: Getting a flu shot will help protect your health and the people you care about. Now let's bust some common myths about getting the flu vaccine with some help from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

After vaccination, can I still get the flu?

Even if you get the flu shot, you can still get the flu, but it won’t be as severe. Prescription medications called flu antiviral drugs also may lessen the effects of the flu if you take them in time.

Antiviral drugs works best when started within one to two days after flu symptoms begin. High-risk or hospitalized patients may still benefit from the medication if started later. The medications can lessen symptoms, reduce flu complications and shorten sick time by about a day. If you start to feel flu symptoms (fever, chills, cough and/or body aches), visit your health care professional, urgent care facility or local pharmacy as soon as possible, especially if you have cardiovascular disease.

And remember, antiviral drugs aren’t a substitute for the flu vaccine.