Category Archives: flu shot

05Feb / 2018

6 Things You Need to Know About This Flu Season

Sick boy lying in bed having his temperature taken with a thermometer.

Seasonal flu activity has been intense this season.  As of February 16, 2018 most of the United States continues to experience intense and widespread flu activity, with record-breaking levels of influenza-like-illness and hospitalization rates recorded. While H3N2 viruses are still most common, there is an increasing number of influenza B viruses being detected. It’s not uncommon for second waves of B virus activity to occur during a flu season. It’s likely that flu activity will continue for several more weeks.

Here are some important things to know right now to protect yourself and your loved ones from flu:

1.  What are the symptoms of flu?

Flu viruses can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The flu is different from a cold. The flu usually comes onIf you have the emergency warning signs of flu sickness, you should go to the emergency room. These include: In children • Fast breathing or trouble breathing • Bluish skin color • Not drinking enough fluids • Not waking up or not interacting • Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held • Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough • Fever with a rash; In addition to the signs above, get medical help right away for any infant who has any of these signs: • Being unable to eat • Has trouble breathing • Has no tears when crying • Significantly fewer wet diapers than normal; In adults • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath • Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen • Sudden dizziness • Confusion • Severe or persistent vomiting • Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough. suddenly. People who have the flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:

  • Fever* or feeling feverish/chills
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue (tiredness)
  • Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults

* It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.

2.  What do I do if I get sick?

Most people with the flu have mild illness and do not need medical care or antiviral drugs. If you get flu symptoms, in most cases you should stay home and avoid contact with other people, except to get medical care.

CDC recommends that antiviral drugs be used early to treat people who are very sick with the flu (for example, people who are in the hospital) and people who are sick with the flu and are at high risk of serious flu complications, either because of their age or because they have a high risk medical condition.

3. Is it too late to get a flu shot?

No!  As long as flu viruses are still circulating, it is not too late to get a flu shot.  Flu vaccination is the best way to prevent flu illness and serious flu complications, including those that can result in hospitalization. Unfortunately, flu vaccines don’t work as well against H3N2 viruses, which means that some people who got vaccinated will still get sick; however, there are some data to suggest that flu vaccination may make illness milder. Flu vaccines usually work better against H1N1 viruses, which is another good reason to get vaccinated, since H1N1 is circulating too.

4.  Why should I get a flu shot?

In addition to protecting yourself, getting vaccinated also protects people around you, including people who are more vulnerable to serious flu illness, like babies and young children, older people, pregnant women and people with certain chronic health conditions.

5.  Does the flu shot work?

Vaccine effectiveness data for this season are not available yet, but we know that flu vaccines do not work as well against H3N2 viruses, which are predominant so far this season.

6.  What else can I do to protect myself from flu?

Definitely try to avoid close contact with sick people.  If you do get sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them. Stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing drugs (unless you need medical care or other necessities).

Other tips for stopping the spread of germs:

  • Make sure you cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs spread this way!
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.

Posted by in antivirals, children, flu, flu shot, H3N2, influenza, Prevention/Vaccination, public health, Vaccination

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03Oct / 2017

Get a Flu Shot to Protect Your Heart and Your Health

Doctor holding a heart

“When you have a chronic illness, you do everything you can to stay as healthy as you can, which includes getting a flu shot,” says Donnette Smith, president of the heart disease support network, Mended Hearts. Donnette leads Mended Hearts with a mission to inspire hope and improve the quality of life of heart patients, like herself, and their families.

Donnette Smith
Donnette Smith, President of Mended Hearts

“I was born with a heart disease called bicuspid aortic valve (BAV), in which the aortic valve that prevents the backflow of blood has two leaflets instead of three,” explained Donnette. However, it was not until she was 18-years-old that Donnette was diagnosed with a heart murmur during a physical screening. Later, in 1988, at the age of 41, she was diagnosed with BAV and had her valve replaced through heart catherization. “It has been a life-long journey, but I have learned a lot being with Mended Hearts.”

The Flu Can Be Dangerous

People with certain long-term medical conditions, such as heart disease, are at high risk of developing serious complications from flu. Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes. Donnette describes one time she was diagnosed with flu, “I experienced rapid heartbeat, had other symptoms, and was hospitalized with an IV. There was no room in the hospital, and I had to be placed in the chapel.” Donnette was able to recover from these flu complications, and today is vigilant in her flu prevention efforts—making sure to get her flu vaccine each year and encouraging others to do the same.

You Have the Power to Fight Flu

Donnette continues, “You look at the flu differently when you have an underlying health condition. I 1000% believe in the flu vaccine, and get my flu shot every year! I also make sure to wash my hands often, and avoid touching my face. If you have a congenital heart disease (CHD) or other chronic illness, you have to be more mindful of being around sick people. Furthermore, it is important you head to the doctor if you experience any signs of flu. [Taking these precautions] is like putting a protective barrier around your heart.”

Whether you have a congenital heart disease, like Donnette, other certain long-term medical conditions, or you have loved ones or care for someone with certain long-term medical conditions, it is very important to take steps to protect yourself and those around you.High risk medical conditions • Asthma • Neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions • Chronic lung disease • Heart disease • Blood disorders • Endocrine disorders • Kidney disorders • Liver disorders • Metabolic disorders • Weakened immune system due to disease or medication (HIV or AIDS, cancer or hose on chronic steroids) • People 6 months through 18 years old who are receiving aspirin- or salicylate-containing medications • People who are extremely obese (with a Body Mass Index [BMI] of 40 or greater).

  1. Get a flu vaccine. CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine every year. Flu shots are approved for use in people with medical conditions. Flu vaccination has been associated with fewer flu-related hospitalizations and complications in high risk groups.
  2. Take everyday preventive actions to help slow the spread of flu. Everyday actions, such as avoiding close contact with people who are sick and staying home when you are sick, also help protect you and others from flu.
  3. Take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them. If you are at high risk of serious flu complications and develop flu symptoms, consult a health care provider. Antiviral drugs can make your illness milder, and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious health problems that can result from the flu. Treatment works best when started early (within 48 hours after symptoms start).

Take it from a Super Flu Fighter

Despite the challenges of CHD, and living through serious flu illness, Donnette Smith thrives. From leading Mended Hearts as President to volunteering at a local hospital, she stays busy. “I do as much as I can for as long as I can.” She will be celebrating a grandson’s 20th birthday in a few weeks, and celebrating her 70th birthday on Thanksgiving.

“Your health is up to you. Flu can be a dangerous illness, and it can take a toll on your body if you have certain chronic conditions. Know how to keep yourself healthy. Don’t be afraid to get a flu shot; it’s a great shield against flu.”

Posted by in asthma, Blood disorders, Chronic lung disease, Endocrine disorders, Fight Flu, flu, flu shot, Flu Vaccine, heart disease, Heart Health, Kidney disorders, Liver disorders, Metabolic disorders, Neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions, Preparedness, Prevention/Vaccination, public health, Super Flu Fighter, weakened immune system

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05Dec / 2016

My Daughter Died From a Vaccine Preventable Disease

Scarlet Anne Taylor with her mother Rebecca Hendricks.

Scarlet Anne Taylor was only 5 when she became sick with the flu and was sent home from school in December 2014. Two days later, Scarlet was admitted to the hospital because she was having trouble breathing.  Once admitted, her condition only seemed to worsen. Four hours after bringing her daughter to the hospital, her mother, Rebecca Hendricks, learned that she had died of complications from flu. “My daughter died from a vaccine preventable disease,” Rebecca recounts.

At that time, Rebecca did not realize that children younger than 5 years old who are otherwise healthy are at high risk of serious flu-related complications simply because of their age. In addition, children 2 years old and up to their 5th birthday are more likely than healthy, older children to be taken to a doctor, an urgent care center, or the emergency room because of flu.

Turning tragedy into actionInfluenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness. Serious outcomes of flu infection can result in hospitalization or death. People of every age, including those in good health, are at risk of flu. The best way to protect yourself and your family this flu season is by getting a flu vaccine.

Since her daughter’s death, Rebecca now understand the risks of flu and the benefits of a flu vaccine.  She has taken her daughter’s story and used it to educate the people around her, especially families. “Before, I thought everyone got over the flu,” says Rebecca. “I chose not to vaccinate my family simply because I didn’t know the facts. Our family now gets vaccinated against flu every year. We are educated about what flu is, what the symptoms are, and how each one of us plays an important role in our community in stopping the spread of flu.”

Rebecca started Fight the Flu Foundation in 2015, hoping that she could save the lives of others from flu by sharing her story and spreading awareness about the dangers of flu.

Fight the Flu Foundation’s mission is to “fight the flu, and win.” The foundation aims to educate families and communities around the nation about flu, as well as make flu vaccination a yearly practice for those who may not regularly vaccinate their families.

Spreading the word

Rebecca Hendricks getting her flu shot.At first, Rebecca took to Facebook and shared her new foundation’s page with her friends and family. Before long, other families across the United States heard about the foundation’s mission and began reaching out to Rebecca to share similar stories about their family’s own loss from flu. The foundation gained a small following online and served as an avenue for those who have lost a child or loved one to the flu. Educating families about the importance of flu vaccination online and in local communities, the foundation hopes tragic flu stories will speak to others, and help families realize that their young children can also be at risk for flu.
Since it started, Rebecca has taken her foundation’s work into local communities. As her foundation grows, so do her goals. Rebecca wants to ensure that everyone has access to a flu vaccine by providing flu vaccinations to underserved populations. In August 2016, Fight the Flu Foundation hosted its first awareness and fundraising drive in Tacoma, Washington, bringing flu awareness to families in need. It was the foundation’s first successful event, with 25 different community vendors supporting the cause.

Though her foundation is still growing, Rebecca’s most valued achievement thus far is “the letters we receive from people who have been impacted by Fight the Flu Foundation’s stories,” she said. She receives letters from mothers and families regularly thanking her for the work that she’s doing. “It’s receiving those highlights that remind me that I’m doing exactly what I set out to do. Fight the flu.”

National Influenza Vaccination Week

For National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW), CDC reminds everything that it is not too late to get a flu vaccine.  For those at high risk of developing serious flu-related complications, the flu vaccine is even more important.  Rebecca Hendricks’s daughter was a healthy, lively 5-year-old when she caught the flu. CDC recommends everyone 6 months of age and older get a flu vaccine every season.  This holiday season, make sure your loved ones get a flu vaccine, and make sure to get one yourself to protect your loved ones who are at high-risk for the flu.

For more information, visit People at High Risk of Developing Flu-Related Complications and Get Vaccinated.

Join the Blog-A-Thon!CDC Flu Blog-A-Thon

During NIVW, CDC is encouraging partners to post blogs on the importance of flu vaccination.  Look for other participating blogs throughout this week and share your own post on social media using the hashtags #NIVW. For those want to take part in the Blog-a-thon, an NIVW Badge is available to include with your post to show your participation. Help us spread the word that it is not too late to get a flu vaccine this season.

Check out HealthinAging.org’s Blog-a-thon post today, December, 5 and Verywell.com’s Cold and Flu section for their Blog-A-Thon post tomorrow, December 6. For more information about the Blog-a-thon, contact FluInbox@cdc.gov.

Posted by in children, flu, flu shot, National Influenza Vaccination Week, Prevention/Vaccination, public health, Vaccination

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07Dec / 2015

Fight the Flu: Get a Vax!

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As cold weather sets in, clothing layers increase, scarves are pulled tighter, and noses become redder. This time of year can also bring the dreaded running nose, scratchy throat, cough, body aches, and headache of the seasonal flu. As you fretfully try to protect yourself from the winter season with warmer clothes and hot drinks, are you also taking steps to protect yourself from the bigger threat of the flu?

Flu season is coming, are you ready to fight the flu?

An annual flu vaccine is the first and most important step to preventing the flu. Everyone 6 months and older should get an annual flu vaccine. It takes 2 weeks for protection from a flu vaccine to develop in the body, so you should get vaccinated soon after the flu vaccine becomes available.

While you may be stocking up on hand sanitizer, avoiding crowded events, and distancing yourself from friends or acquaintances who let out a sniffle or two, if you haven’t gotten your seasonal flu vaccine, you haven’t taken the most important step to protect yourself from the flu.

Getting your flu vaccine is easy, having the flu is not.mother taking her child's temperature

Everywhere from your doctor’s office to your local pharmacy, and even the news and social media networks, are sharing important reminders about getting the flu vaccine. Getting a flu vaccine can take just a few minutes of your day. Getting the flu, however, can put you out of work or school for days, sometimes weeks. Taking a little time for your health now could save you from missing important events, work deadlines, or opportunities in the future.

Do your part for those you love.

When you get a flu vaccine, you are not only protecting yourself from the flu, but you are also protecting the people around you who are more vulnerable to serious flu illness. As the holiday season approaches, you may be around young children, older family members, or others who have a high risk of contracting the flu or developing complications from the flu.

The flu is a serious illness that can have life-threatening complications for some people. The flu causes millions of illnesses, hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations, and thousands of deaths each year. Some people, such as older people, young children, pregnant women, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications.

Get your flu shot to protect yourself and those around you. Do your part to protect the important people in your life.

Avoid germs during flu season.

While getting a yearly vaccination is the first and most important step in protecting against flu, there are additional steps you can take to avoid germs and the flu. Here are a few tips:

  • Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
  • If you are sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them. Keep your germs to yourself.
  • If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, except to get medical care. (Your fever should be gone for 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.doctor giving a man a flu shot
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs spread this way.
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.


Don’t know where to get your flu shot?
Flu vaccines are offered in many locations, including doctor’s offices, clinics, health departments, pharmacies, and college health centers, by many employers, and even some schools. You don’t have to see your doctor to get a flu shot! There are plenty of locations available that provide vaccinations.

This Vaccine Locator is a useful tool for finding vaccine in your area.

Don’t wait until you are lying sick in bed to wish you had gotten a flu shot. There are steps you can take to prevent the flu and protect those around you. Get your flu vaccine today, and remind someone you care about to do the same. As long as flu viruses are circulating, it is not too late to get a flu vaccine!

Posted by in flu, flu season, flu shot, General, Preparedness, Prevention/Vaccination, public health, vaccine

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12Dec / 2014

The flu shot isn’t a good match this year. Is it ever?

The CDC announced recently that this year’s flu vaccine is missing a key strain, one that accounts for 48% of what’s circulating. That strain, a “drifted” version of H3N2, was discovered in March 2014, but the vaccine strains for the … Continue reading »

The post The flu shot isn’t a good match this year. Is it ever? appeared first on PLOS Blogs Network.

Posted by in chart, data, flu, flu shot, influenza, vaccine

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