Flu | Prevention, Diagnosis, & Treatments
Flu prevention
The best way to avoid problems from the flu is by preventing it in the first place. That’s why in Massachusetts in 2020-21, an annual flu shot (influenza vaccine) is required for everyone six months and older who is attending daycare, school, or college. The flu vaccine is also recommended for adults.
What is the flu vaccine?
Injectable flu vaccines introduce small doses of an inactivated version of the flu virus into the body so the immune system can develop antibodies that can fight the flu virus. This usually takes about two weeks to be effective. Since the flu virus changes each year, the flu shot must be given annually.
Can you get the flu even if you get vaccinated?
It’s important to know that some people may still get the flu even though they got a flu shot. When this occurs, the symptoms are usually milder and may resolve more quickly. In fact, getting a flu shot can lessen the length of the illness and also prevent serious complications from occurring.
Can the flu shot cause the flu?
The flu vaccine itself can’t cause the flu, but some people may get mild side effects from the shot. This can include fever or soreness at the injection site that goes away quickly. Even if you or your child get side effects from the flu shot, they will be much milder than getting the flu.
