Frequently Asked Questions about the Flu

• What is the flu?
• How is it spread?
• What are the symptoms?
• Is the flu serious?
• Is the vaccine safe?
• Who should get the flu vaccine?

What is the flu?

Influenza (the "flu") is a highly contagious viral infection of the nose, throat and lungs. It ranks as one of the most severe illnesses of the winter season.
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How is it spread?

Influenza is airborne and easily spread from person to person, primarily when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus is also transmitted by direct hand contact.
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What are the symptoms?

The typical influenza illness brings an abrupt onset of high fever, chills, a dry cough, headache, runny nose, sore throat and muscle and joint pain. Unlike other common respiratory infections, influenza can cause extreme fatigue that lasts several days to several weeks.
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Is the flu serious?

Influenza can lead to hospitalization or even death, especially among the elderly. Approximately 114,000 people end up in hospital each year from the flu or flu complications. About 36,000 Americans die annually from flu-related illness. Even without complications, the flu can make you miserable and mean many days away from work or other responsibilities.
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Is the vaccine safe?

You cannot get influenza from a flu shot. The flu shot is very safe and generally has few side effects. There may be some soreness, redness or swelling where the shot is given. Other possible mild side effects include a headache and low-grade fever for a day after you receive the shot.
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Who should get the flu vaccine?

In general, anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu should get a flu shot. People who should get vaccinated each year are:

• Those at higher risk for complications from the flu:
  • People aged 65 or older
  • Residents of nursing homes or other chronic care facilities or housing
  • Adults and children 6 months or older with chronic diseases, including asthma and heart and lung disorders
  • Adults and children 6 months or older with conditions that suppress their immunity
  • People with any condition that can compromise respiratory function or the handling of respiratory secretions.
  • All children aged 6-23 months
  • Pregnant women (if you are in your first trimester, check with your physician before receiving the flu shot)
  • Children 6 months – 18 years of age who are on long-term aspirin therapy


• People 50-64 years of age.



• People who can transmit the flu to others at high risk:
  • Health care workers
  • Caregivers of children 6-23 months old
  • Close contacts of people 65 and older



• Who should NOT get the flu vaccine?
  • People who are allergic to chicken eggs
  • People who are ill or have a fever at the time they wish to receive the flu vaccine
  • People who have had previous serious reactions to the flu vaccine (very rare)
  • People who developed Guillian Barre Syndrome within 6 weeks of getting an influenza vaccine previously)
  • Children less than 6 months of age

Note: You need to have a new flu shot every year.
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