There are MANY reasons why someone might get a flu-like illness, even after they have been vaccinated against flu.
- One reason is that some people can become ill from other respiratory viruses besides flu such as rhinoviruses, which are associated with the common cold, cause symptoms similar to flu, and also spread and cause illness during the flu season. The flu vaccine only protects against influenza viruses, not other viruses.
- Another explanation is that it is possible to be exposed to influenza viruses, which cause the flu, shortly before getting vaccinated or during the two-week period after vaccination that it takes the body to develop immune protection. This exposure may result in a person becoming ill with flu before protection from the vaccine takes effect.
- A third reason why some people may experience flu like symptoms despite getting vaccinated is that they may have been exposed to a flu virus that is very different from the viruses the vaccine is designed to protect against. The ability of a flu vaccine to protect a person depends largely on the similarity or “match” between the viruses selected to make the vaccine and those spreading and causing illness. There are many different flu viruses that spread and cause illness among people. For more information, see Influenza (Flu) Viruses.
- The final explanation for experiencing flu-like symptoms after vaccination is that unfortunately, the flu vaccine doesn’t always provide adequate protection against the flu. This is more likely to occur among people that have weakened immune systems or people age 65 and older.
SO WHAT CAN YOU DO IN TRYING TO PREVENT FLU LIKE SYMPTOMS FROM HAPPENING, EVEN AFTER HAVING THE FLU VACCINE OR EVEN IF YOU DON’T GET THE VACCINE PERIOD?
Keep yourself warm DURING THE WINTER WEATHER
Wash both your hands often-keeping hands clean is so very important.
Manage Stress-which can decrease your immunity.
Travel safely
Be Smoke Free
GET VACCINATED for the FLU-FIRST PREVENTION STEP TO TAKE.
Handle food safely, including how you prepare it.
EAT HEALTHY AND BE ACTIVE
Watch the kids-at a high risk for injuries. Develop and reinforce rules about acceptable and safe behaviors, including electronic media.
Prevent injuries
Many of these measures help prevent putting your immunity down and allowing you to be put at risk for picking up the FLU easier during the winter weather.
CORRECT A COMMON MISCONCEPTION OF THE FLU SHOT
Can a flu shot give you the flu?
No, a flu shot cannot cause flu illness. Flu vaccines that are administered with a needle are currently made in two ways: the vaccine is made either with a) flu vaccine viruses that have been ‘inactivated’ and are therefore not infectious, or b) with no flu vaccine viruses at all (which is the case for recombinant influenza vaccine). The most common side effects from the influenza shot are soreness, redness, tenderness or swelling where the shot was given. Low-grade fever, headache and muscle aches also may occur.