Some commonly asked questions about the flu and the flu shot.
What is Influenza?
Influenza (or flu) affects millions of Canadians each year. Getting an influenza vaccination (or flu shot) every year can help prevent the infection or reduce the severity of the illness.
In Ontario, the flu vaccine is available FREE from community flu
clinics, walk-in medical clinics, or your family doctor. People who
work, live, or study in Ontario are eligible for the free flu shot.
The flu is an infection of the nose, throat and lungs caused by a virus. Health Canada (2005) estimates 10-25% of Canadians get the flu each year. Most of these people get better, but about 4000 to 8000 Canadians die every year.
How is the flu spread?
The flu virus spreads easily. An infected person releases the virus into the air by talking, coughing, and sneezing. Everything a sick person touches, such as toys and doorknobs, also spreads the virus, which stays active on surfaces for up to 48 hours. If you touch your nose or eyes after touching a contaminated surface, then you can become infected.
Why should I get a flu shot?
Anyone can get the flu. By getting the flu shot you can save yourself from a couple of unpleasant weeks being sick or becoming seriously ill. It is also important for everyone to get a flu shot to reduce the risk of spreading the infection to people who are at a high risk of getting life-threatening complications from the flu.
Can the flu shot cause the flu?
No. The vaccine doesn’t contain live viruses so you can’t get the flu from the vaccine. The vaccine won’t protect you against colds and other respiratory illnesses that may be mistaken for the flu.
How does the flu shot protect you against the flu?
After you get a flu shot, your immune system produces antibodies against the strains of the virus in the vaccine. These antibodies are effective for four to six months. When you are exposed to the influenza virus, the antibodies will help to prevent infection or reduce the severity of the illness.
People who receive the vaccine can still get influenza, but if they do, it is usually milder than it would have been without the shot.
Why do I need a flu shot every year?
The viruses that cause the flu are always changing. In Canada, flu season usually runs from November to April. Each year, the World Health Organization identifies three strains of the influenza virus that are predicted to be the most common and will have the most impact on our health. Influenza vaccines are then made based on these three viruses. Since these may change from year to year, you need an annual flu shot to make sure your body forms antibodies against the new flu viruses.
Who should get the flu shot?
Except for those people with certain medical conditions, everyone should get the flu shot. It is particularly important for people who are more at risk of having complications from the flu or for those who live or work with higher risk people. Use this checklist to see if you may be at a higher risk of getting seriously ill from the flu.
- Do you have chronic cardiac or pulmonary (lung) disorders such as, cystic fibrosis or asthma?
- Do you live in a nursing home, chronic care, or long-term care facility?
- Do you have a compromised immune system or chronic medical condition such as diabetes, HIV, cancer, anemia, or renal disease?
Who should not get the flu shot?
You should not get the flu shot if you:
• are severely allergic to eggs or egg products. A severe allergic reaction can include swelling of the mouth and throat, or trouble breathing.
• have a severe allergy to any component of the vaccine.
• have had an allergic reaction to a previous flu shot.
Infants under six months of age should not receive the vaccine. If you have a history of Guillain-Barré Syndrome, consult your doctor before getting the vaccine. Also if you are ill with a fever you should wait until the fever goes down before being vaccinated.
Are there any side effects to the flu shot?
The flu shot, like any medicine, can cause side effects. Most people have little or no side effects. Some people experience:
• Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given.
• Fever or muscle aches 1 to 2 days after getting the shot.
• Guillain-Barré (GBS) is a very uncommon disease that causes muscle paralysis and has been associated with certain infectious diseases. Overall, the risk of GBS occurring in association with immunization is small. In comparison to the small risk of GBS, the risk of illness and death associated with influenza is much greater.
Seek medical attention immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms within three days after the shot:
• Trouble breathing, hoarseness, wheezing, coughing, or tightness in the chest.
• Swelling of the mouth, throat, or face.
• Paleness, weakness, a fast heart beat, or dizziness.
• Hives.
• Red eyes.
• Any other unusual condition or serious reaction to the vaccine.
Is the flu shot safe for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding?
Yes. The vaccine is considered safe for pregnant women at all stages of pregnancy or those who are breastfeeding.
I am pregnant. Should I get the flu shot?
Yes. Everyone, pregnant or not, should get the flu shot, unless you have certain medical conditions. By getting the flu shot, you will protect yourself and your family from getting the flu. You will also pass the protection from the shot to your baby through the placenta. Getting the flu shot while pregnant can protect your baby from the flu for at least nine months.
Being pregnant changes a woman’s immune system and puts a strain on their heart and lungs (cardiovascular system). Because of this, pregnant women have a higher risk of complications from the flu. If you’re pregnant and already at a higher risk for influenza-related complications getting a flu shot is an important step to protect your health and the health of your baby.