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Flu Season Is Here: Here's What You Need To Know

With flu season officially here, health professionals are urging people to prioritize flu vaccinations, particularly for those at higher risk such as children and older adults. 

BlackDoctor.Org spoke with Dr. Gregg Sylvester, Chief Health Officer at CSL Seqirus to get his insights on the significance of getting the flu vaccine, why it's especially important for vulnerable groups and what you should know for this upcoming flu season. 

Who Should Get the Flu Vaccine?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone aged six months and older receive the flu vaccine annually. This recommendation is particularly critical for children and older adults. Dr. Sylvester explains that it's especially important that children younger than five, children with certain long-term health problems, and seniors get vaccinated due to their weakened or developing immune systems.

Children are still building their immune defenses and are more susceptible to infections like influenza. While flu is not often fatal in children, it can lead to serious health complications, cause missed school days, and in severe cases, hospitalization.

"A few years ago, after the pandemic, flu rates spiked, and many children's hospitals were overwhelmed. As a pediatrician, I believe children should be vaccinated," Dr. Sylvester notes.

During the 2023/24 flu season, the CDC reported nearly 200 pediatric deaths from influenza-like illness. Nearly 90 percent of these children were not vaccinated against flu.

Older adults, on the other hand, have a condition known as immunosenescence, which is a decline in the immune system's effectiveness over time. This makes it harder for them to fight off infections like the flu, leading to more severe illness, hospitalizations, and even death. Vaccination for this age group is crucial to help maintain immunity and reduce the severity of flu symptoms if they do contract the virus.

In the U.S., influenza significantly impacts adults 65 years of age and older. According to the CDC, approximately 80 percent of influenza-related deaths and 50-70 percent of influenza-related hospitalizations occur among adults 65 years of age and older.

"If you have a chronic condition, that puts you at an even higher risk for complications from the flu," Dr. Sylvester adds. "Vaccines protect more than just the individual. For example, if a young child is vaccinated and doesn't get sick, they reduce the risk of passing the flu to grandparents, who are often high-risk. If parents or caregivers get sick, they miss work or their children miss school. So, there are both societal and personal benefits to vaccination."

What Are Your Flu Vaccine Options?

There are different variations of flu vaccines available, particularly for those aged 65 and older. Vaccines such as the Fluad and Fluzone High-Dose are recommended for older adults because they help generate a more robust immune defense. However, if these specific vaccines aren't available, any flu vaccine is still beneficial and should be administered.

RELATED: 6 Must-Haves As Flu Season Approaches

Why Have Flu Vaccination Rates Have Declined?

Dr. Sylvester notes a concerning trend: flu vaccination rates have dropped since the pandemic. 

According to the CDC, there has been nearly a 10 percent decline in flu vaccinations for children between six months to 17 years since the COVID-19 pandemic.

While the pandemic may have contributed to some "vaccine fatigue," there are other underlying reasons. People may not feel the urgency to get vaccinated, especially as they associate vaccines more with COVID-19 rather than flu. 

Another reason people are often hesitant to get vaccinated is due to concerns about the safety of the flu vaccine. However, it is important to note that the flu vaccine is one of the most thoroughly studied vaccines available.

"While there are occasional adverse events, the benefits far outweigh the risks. As a company, we monitor safety from clinical trials through post-licensing. If anyone experiences a reaction, they can call our hotline, and we share that data with the FDA and CDC. In the U.S., there's a robust safety monitoring system, and the flu vaccine has been in use for decades. It's safe," Dr. Sylvester adds.

What is the Difference Between the Flu and the Common Cold?

One common question people have is how to distinguish between the flu and a common cold, especially as symptoms can overlap. Dr. Sylvester explains that flu symptoms tend to be more severe and hit suddenly, often including a high fever, body aches, fatigue, and a dry cough.

In contrast, a cold usually presents with milder symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, and a mild sore throat. 

"When I was a young pediatrician, I knew the exact time and day I got the flu. It feels like a train hits you—headache, fever, body aches, and a severe cough. It's much more intense than the common cold. While some people may get a mild case and recover quickly, others, like me, are bedridden for days," Dr. Sylvester shares. 

When is the Best Time to Get Vaccinated?

When it comes to timing, Dr. Sylvester advises that the best time to get vaccinated is before flu season kicks into high gear. 

"We typically see flu season start in late October or early November, lasting through the winter and into spring. The ideal time to get vaccinated is in September or October, before flu season begins. However, it's still beneficial to get vaccinated in November or later. The flu virus changes each year, so an annual flu shot is necessary," Dr. Sylvester suggests. 

What Additional Steps Can You Take to Protect Yourself?

In addition to getting vaccinated, you can take other steps to boost your immunity and prevent the spread of the flu. Regular hand washing, staying home when sick, and practicing proper cough and sneeze etiquette (e.G., sneezing into your elbow) are simple yet effective measures. 

"If you do get infected, there are antiviral medications, but the best protection is the flu vaccine," Dr. Sylvester notes.

How Can You Prepare for the 2024 Flu Season?

Looking ahead to this flu season, Dr. Sylvester pointed out that flu patterns in the Southern Hemisphere can provide some clues about what to expect. 

"We always look at last year's data, but flu seasons vary. We also keep an eye on flu activity in the Southern Hemisphere, and this year Australia had an average flu season. I expect this flu season to be similar, so the best preparation is to get vaccinated," Dr. Sylvester concludes.

Is It Too Early To Get A Flu Shot?

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Yes, it's that time of year again — flu shot season! Even if you're a relatively healthy person, it's smart to get an influenza vaccine. "With the flu, you can never really know for sure who is going to get super-sick," says Kathryn A. Boling, MD, a primary care doctor at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that between 35 and 65 million Americans got the flu between October 1, 2023, and June 15, 2024 — which resulted in 16 to 30 million visits with a medical provider. But the flu shot can help prevent you from becoming a statistic, and having to deal with symptoms like headache, cough, fatigue, weakness, sore throat, runny, stuffy nose and eye pain. "It's highly recommended that you receive a flu shot in order to prevent getting infected or transmitting the virus, and to reduce the severity of infection," says Paunel Vukasinov, MD, an internal medicine specialist at Medical Offices of Manhattan in New York City.

It's true that you can still catch influenza even if you've been vaccinated against it, but your bout with the virus may be less severe than if you skip the vaccine: The flu vaccine typically lowers your chance of having to go to the doctor by 40 to 60%, according to the CDC. And while these numbers can fluctuate depending on which flu viruses are circulating, the seasonal shots are formulated to be as close to the projected current viruses as possible, so "the composition of the vaccine was updated in this year's shot to reflect the most likely circulating strains," explains Dr. Vukasinov.

If all of this sounds a bit overwhelming, don't worry. Read on to figure out the best time to get a flu shot, where to get one, what to expect after your vaccination and whether you should get all three vaccines to protect against the "tripledemic"(the flu, COVID and RSV) that experts say we can expect this cold and flu season.

The best time to get a flu shot

Timing your shot correctly is important because it takes a little time for your body to build up antibodies, and you want to be protected before the virus is rampant. "It takes up to two weeks after getting a flu shot to be fully protected," says Dr. Boling. "I'm telling my patients to get their flu shots during the month of October, so they are fully protected by November."

You may be eager to get the jab done and over with, but it is possible to be vaccinated too early in the season. In 2022, "pharmacies had the shot available in July and August, and some of my patients who got their shots that early were coming to see me in April and May, sick with the flu, because their protection had worn off," Dr. Boling adds.

Never get a flu shot while you're actively sick or have a fever, or if you know you've recently been around someone who was sick with the flu. "If you've been exposed to the flu and get your flu shot right afterward, there's a chance your symptoms may make you feel sicker, and in that instance, you should definitely be seen by your healthcare provider," says Dr. Boling. Once you feel better or a little time has passed since your exposure, then you can get jabbed.

Flavio Coelho - Getty Images

And if you're wondering if it's ever too late to get one, any time during cold and flu season technically works, but "usually sooner is better, in order for your body to have time and make a robust immune response," says Dr. Vukasinov. But even if you miss the October window, it's still worth getting a flu shot to protect you through the rest of winter.

Who is most at risk for the flu?

Certain factors can heighten your susceptibility to catching or getting a more severe case of the flu. "High risk groups include pregnant women, children younger than five years old (especially those under age two), adults age 50 and over (particularly past age 65) and individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, lung disease, kidney or liver disease and those with a compromised immune system," says Dr. Vukasinov.

The flu can become deadly if it leads to pneumonia or a brain infection called encephalitis, so while people shouldn't panic, those in high risk groups should be vigilant in getting jabbed against it, Dr. Boling adds.

The flu shot and pregnancy

Yes — the flu shot is safe for pregnant women in any trimester, and "it also protects your baby because women who get the flu vaccine while pregnant or breastfeeding can pass those antibodies that they develop to their babies," Dr. Vukasinov says. But there's one important note: pregnant women should confirm with their vaccinator that they're not receiving a vaccine with a live virus in it (LAIV or nasal spray).

Side effects

Some people don't experience any side effects beyond a sore, red arm, says Dr. Vukasinov, but others may get flu-like symptoms such as headache, fatigue or fever. The good news is, most side effects will happen within 24 to 48 hours of getting vaccinated and go away on their own.

However, if your symptoms get worse, give your doctor a call. The reason is twofold: You want to make sure you aren't having a serious reaction to the shot (so, so rare, but still possible), and you also want to check to make sure you aren't having complications related to the flu itself if the virus managed to infiltrate you right before you got jabbed. Signs of a serious reaction to the flu vaccine include trouble breathing, hoarseness, paleness, dizziness and hives, but again, very few people experience these effects.

Can I get a flu shot at the same time as my COVID-19 booster and/or an RSV vaccine?

When it comes to the COVID booster, always ask your doctor first, but the answer will most likely be "yes." There's a possibility that you may have a higher chance of experiencing side effects if you double up — a 2022 CDC study found that people who got a flu vaccine and an mRNA COVID booster vaccine at the same time were slightly more likely (8% to 11%) to have reactions including fatigue, headache and muscle ache than people who only got a COVID mRNA booster vaccine. However, these reactions were usually mild and went away quickly, so that's not a reason to reject one or the other if your doctor signs off, says Dr. Vukasinov.

If your doctor has recommended you get an RSV vaccine, too, you might want to split up these two jabs and get your flu shot at a different time. While it's safe to receive the two simultaneously, "there's some thought that co-administration of flu and RSV vaccines may make your antibodies somewhat lower, so I recommend spacing your flu shot and RSV shot out about two weeks apart," says Dr. Vukasinov.

Where to get a flu shot

Make an appointment with your healthcare provider, or head to your local pharmacy or urgent care clinic. Drug store chains like CVS and Walgreens offer low or no-cost flu shots with many insurance plans. Getting a shot is really easy – you can schedule an appointment online, or often just walk in.

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Keep Cold And Flu Season At Bay

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It doesn't take much for cold and flu symptoms to take over. Even a mild case of the sniffles can make it difficult to navigate the demands of everyday life. It's virtually impossible to avoid germs altogether, but you can make sure you're ready to fight off an infection, whether it's a minor cold or a full-blown case of the flu.

"I always share a few easy and simple methods with my patients when cold and flu season comes back around to keep them in the best shape," said Dr. Tim Tiutan, board-certified internal medicine physician. "Not only does getting ahead offer protection, but knowing what to do when symptoms start to come on, and what to have in your medicine cabinet, can help ease the burden of an oncoming illness."

Preparation and prevention play important roles before a bug hits, but it's also valuable to know how to effectively treat an illness and keep your loved ones from getting sick.

Prevent 

Short of stashing yourself away in a bubble, there aren't many failsafe ways to fully avoid germs. However, some basic hygiene and preventive care can go a long way toward minimizing your risk. Regularly washing your hands can help get rid of germs before you accidentally introduce them to your eyes, mouth or nose. Be especially diligent after spending time in crowded places.

Maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle also helps ensure you're in optimal condition if you do get sick. That means eating a nutritious, well-rounded diet and keeping up with your exercise routine. Also be sure to talk to your doctor or pharmacist about getting a flu shot; while it may not fully prevent you from getting sick, in most cases it helps your body fight back and keeps your symptoms manageable.

Prepare 

Knowing you can't completely eliminate your exposure to germs, it's a good idea to ensure you have everything you need to fight a cold or flu on hand. At least once a year, give your medicine cabinet a thorough cleaning. Discard any expired medications and replace products that have run low, especially those designed to help fight symptoms like pain relievers, fever reducers, decongestants, antihistamines and cough syrups.

It's also a good time to restock items like tissues, cough drops, hand sanitizer and antibacterial soap. Medical supplies like thermometers and humidifiers also come in handy when you're under the weather; check to be sure yours are in good working order and consider adding any supplies you don't already have, such as a blood pressure cuff or home oximeter.

Treat 

Once you're sick, sleep is one of the best remedies. Your body can redirect energy toward healing when you're sleeping, which helps boost your immune system, so give yourself permission to rest when you're feeling down.

In addition to getting enough rest, it's important to treat your symptoms, not just mask them. Because symptoms like fever, runny nose, chest congestion, cough and more can indicate a more serious problem, finding the root cause of the symptoms can be a more effective treatment strategy.

For example, some common remedies for chest congestion only mask the symptoms. Many doctors recommend an option like Mucinex 12-Hour because it treats the cause of chest congestion by thinning and loosening excess mucus. One dose lasts up to 12 hours, helping you clear mucus and relieve chest congestion.

Contain 

Getting rest and managing your symptoms are easier when you stay at home, but it's also the best way to prevent spreading germs to others. It's not always practical, but if you can, limit yourself to one area of the house, away from family members. Cough into your elbow or a tissue, never your hands. Use antibacterial hand sanitizer and wipe down surfaces to minimize others' contact with your germs.

Be especially wary of spending time with anyone who has a compromised immune system while you're contagious, including those with pre-existing conditions, older adults and pregnant women. Take advantage of delivery or curbside services for essentials like groceries and talk with your employer about working remotely or using sick time until you're feeling better.

Find more advice to help fight this cold and flu season at Mucinex.Com.

Photo Courtesy of Shutterstock When to Call for Help if You're Feeling Lousy

If you're experiencing cold symptoms, you might wonder when it's appropriate to see a doctor for further evaluation. While most colds resolve on their own within a week or two, there are certain instances when seeking medical attention is advisable.

High Fever: If your fever persists for more than three days or reaches 102 F or higher, consult a health care provider.

Persistent or Severe Headaches: If you experience persistent or severe headaches that are not alleviated by over-the-counter medication, it's advisable to consult a health care provider, as this could indicate a more serious underlying issue.

Persistent Symptoms: If your symptoms worsen or don't improve after a week, seek medical advice.

Unusual Symptoms: If you experience uncommon or concerning symptoms during a cold, such as extreme fatigue, confusion, dehydration or a high fever that doesn't respond to treatment, consult your doctor promptly for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Trouble Breathing: Difficulty breathing, chest pain or wheezing can indicate a more severe respiratory condition and warrant medical attention.

High-Risk Individuals: For individuals at high risk of complications from colds, such as pregnant women, the elderly or individuals with conditions like diabetes or heart disease, it's important to seek advice early to prevent any potential complications.

Remember, your health care provider can offer guidance tailored to your specific situation, helping you manage your cold effectively and ensure optimal recovery.

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