Taking preventive measures now can help reduce the risk of flu this season. Fall marks the start of flu season in the United States, making September and October ideal months to receive the flu vaccine. Taking preventive measures now can help reduce the risk of illness and keep individuals and families healthy throughout the winter months.
Physicians at the University of Alabama at Birmingham are encouraging people to consider receiving a flu vaccine. Historically, the flu becomes more widespread during the fall and winter seasons.
Vaccination is one of several measures that can help reduce the risk of illness and transmission during flu season, says Stephen Russell, M.D., professor in UAB’s Division of General Internal Medicine and Population Science and physician at UAB Medicine Leeds. Flu vaccines help the immune system recognize and respond to circulating influenza viruses.
“Flu season starts in early October, and we want people to be protected before we see more cases of flu in the community, which usually begins in in November,” Russell said. “It takes about two weeks from the time you get your flu shot for your body to develop antibodies that fight the flu, which is why we recommend that everyone gets the flu shot in October or early November.”
Russell says patients often ask if getting a flu shot means they are actually receiving the flu virus. He says that is not the case.
“We know from medical studies and science that the flu vaccine does not give someone the flu,” Russell said. “If you experience body aches and have a low-grade fever 24 hours after you get the flu vaccine, we consider that a success because your immune system is revved up and ready to fight off the flu. We can almost guarantee that, after 48 hours, you will feel normal, which means your immune system is ready to fight off the flu this season.”
If an individual does have the flu, they can expect to experience seven days of aches, along with several days of feeling bad overall, including experiencing a cough and fever.
“Even if the flu shot does not perfectly protect someone from getting the flu if they are exposed, getting the flu shot will provide protection against more severe disease,” Russell said. “For those patients with chronic health problems such as asthma, heart disease and kidney disease, the flu vaccine could reduce the risk of ending up in the hospital with the flu."
Individuals can find out where they can receive a flu vaccine in their area by visiting the CDC’s vaccine finder. UAB Medicine patients can get their flu shot at the Injection Clinic located at the Kirklin Clinic of UAB Hospital.