Flu season is already in full swing but it is not too late to get your flu shot which is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones. According to the centers for disease control and prevention cdc, flu activity is usually highest between december and february. Flu season generally peaks anytime from late november through march, according to the cdc. With flu season peaking, its never too late to get your flu. Flu season is here, but its not too late to get a flu shot.
Make plans to get vaccinated early in fall, before flu season begins. Jan 05, 2018 even though the flu season is well underway, health experts say its still not too late to get a flu shot. Not only will it make you less likely to get the flu, but if you get it, it will be less severe. Oct 02, 2018 14 myths and misconceptions about the flu vaccine. Where to get the flu shot for the 2020 season, per a doctor. Doctors stress that it isnt too late to get your flu shot. The flu shot is usually available by late october, and medical professionals urge most americans to get it as early in the season as possible. Get your flu vaccine early so that you are protected for the flu season as possible, it is definitely not too late to get your flu shot.
Though the flu season has already started, according to darria long gillespie, a clinical assistant professor at the university of tennessee school of medicine, its not too late to get the flu shot. Cdc launches lateseason flu vaccination push cidrap. Flu season is here with a vengeance, but theres still time to get your annual flu shot if you havent already. Its my conclusion that it is still worth it, because. Should you still get the flu shot, this late in the season. You can technically get the flu any time of year, but flu season really starts to ramp up in october and peaks between december and february, according to the centers for disease control and. Last year, the flu killed more than 80,000 americans, including a record 185 children. If you get your shot now, youll likely be protected for months to come. Even in late winter and early spring, its still worth getting a flu shot. The influenza viruses are still circulating, which. Two types of flu vaccine are available for the 20192020 flu season. The cdc releases its data on vaccine effectiveness at the end of the season, so its just too early to say for sure. Jan 31, 2017 the season hasnt peaked yet, though, so theres still time for a shot to protect you. If these reactions occur, they usually begin soon after the shot and last 12 days.
I discussed this yesterday with my doc, while seeing him for my regular asthma checkup because i just got over the flu, so i was wondering if there was still any point in getting a flu shot. Lowgrade fever, headache and muscle aches also may occur. During flu season, viruses are circulating at higher levels, and thats when people should be vaccinated. Some people report having mild reactions to flu vaccination. The later you get it that just means you werent protected. Its not too late to receive a flu shot for the 20192020 influenza season.
Its february and you know what the means ongoing cold temperatures, lastminute snowfilled adventures, and valentines activities. The seasonal flu vaccine protects against the influenza viruses that research indicates will be most. Why its not too late to get a flu shot consumer reports. Late flu shots so when is it too late to get vaccinated against the flu. Dec 17, 2018 doctors stress that it isnt too late to get your flu shot. The flu is unpredictable and varies from season to season, and region to region. Shown are immunization nurse cheryl wavrin of fargo cass public. Thats because the flu remains widespread in several states and is even increasing in some areas, according to brendan. Its somehow already february, people in your office are succumbing to the flu one by one, and youre wondering. Influenza b is usually the most prominent strain that circulates late in flu season, william schaffner, m.
Effectiveness estimates for this season are not yet available because its early in the season. Thats because the flu remains widespread in several states and is even increasing in some areas, according to brendan flannery, ph. Aug 08, 2019 for the 20192020 season, the cdc is recommending the nasal spray vaccine again, along with flu shots. Dec 30, 2015 flu activity usually peaks in january or february, and flu can strike as late as may, according to the u. The flu shots effectiveness wanes a bit as the season wears on, so getting it very early can slightly reduce its effectiveness. This years flu vaccine has been 45% effective against the flu so far this season, new cdc figures show it worked better. Poor lateseason protection limited flu vaccine impact for. Flu season peaks from december to february, but it can last until may, according to the cdc. Get one as soon as you can, especially if you are an older adult, have a compromised immune system, or are pregnant its never too. The season hasnt peaked yet, though, so theres still time for a shot to protect you. Cdc recommends that people get a flu vaccine by the end of october.
The cdc recommends getting vaccinated early, but they also say, getting vaccinated later, however, can still be beneficial and vaccination should continue to be offered throughout the flu season, even into january or later. With flu season peaking, its never too late to get your. Just keep in mind there are select groups of people who should not get the nasal spray. Syed shah, who practices internal medicine and is medical director at sioux falls urgent care, says we have hit a peak in the flu season. Theres still a lot of flu season left to get through, flannery says. The virus can continue circulating into april and may. Feb 25, 2019 for others, the advice to get the flu shot by the mid to late october is still good, stockwell says. Flu activity usually peaks in january or february, and flu can strike as late as may, according to.
Although you can get the flu anytime, flu season starts in october and can go as late as march and even april. No trivalent regulardose flu shots will be available this season. The virus has already claimed the lives of children so far this flu season. Why you should get the flu shot during the coronavirus. The most common side effects from flu shots are soreness, redness, tenderness or swelling where the shot was given. Like last season, cdc and acip recommend that vaccination be offered by the end of. Getting a flu shot now can hopefully shorten flu season posted 9. Learn whether or not it is too late to get a flu shot to protect you from the flu virus this flu season. It is not too late to get your flu shot and for it to start working against influenza. This seasons flu shot 45 percent effective, an improvement.
Flu activity is picking up, with widespread infection in 24 states. He also says it is not too late to get the flu shot. As long as the virus is circulating, its not too late to receive a flu shot and protect yourself and others against this seasonal misery. Its february and you know what the means ongoing cold temperatures. In florida, data shows more influenza activity across all age groups this year than detected in the last two flu.
Flu season runs from october to may, with most cases happening from late december to early march. For others, the advice to get the flu shot by the mid to late october is still good, stockwell says. Cotton says its not too late to protect yourself from the flu with the vaccination. Dreamstime tns by karen kaplan science and medicine editor. Public health officials say theres still plenty of time to get a flu shot. But you shouldnt think that its ever too early or too late to get the flu. Jan 09, 2019 the virus has already claimed the lives of children so far this flu season. This years flu shot has been reformulated and updated based on last years flu season, making it more effective and better matched to combat the current virus. It takes the human body two weeks to build antibodies that protect against the flu. Its latebut not too late, says william schaffner, md, an infectious diseases. Getting vaccinated later, however, can still be beneficial and vaccination should continue to be offered throughout the flu season, even into january or later. Health officials say it takes about two weeks for the vaccine to take effect.
The flu vaccine is usually offered between september and midnovember. You should get a flu vaccine before flu viruses begins spreading in your community, since it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against flu. In trying to balance the need to get many people vaccinated before flu activity begins with concerns about potential waning of vaccineinduced immunity. The season is peaking earlier than normal and some claims going around online are saying this years flu vaccine isnt effective. It can take 2 weeks to reach full protection against the flu for adults. People who are at high risk of serious flu illness should take flu antiviral drugs quickly if they get sick. For the 20192020 season, the cdc is recommending the nasal spray vaccine again, along with flu shots. Although the cdc recommends getting the flu shot each year by the end of october, flu viruses continue to circulate as late as april and linger past. Finding flu shots because of the flu shot delays and shortages in past years, finding a flu shot, even if you want one, has sometimes been difficult. For 8yearolds who need two doses, the second dose is recommended even if the child turns 9 years of age between receipt of dose 1 and dose 2. Getting vaccinated before the flu season is in full force ideally by the end of october gives the body a chance to make antibodies that protect from the virus.
Of course, it is always better to get a flu shot much earlier so that you are protected for the full flu season. Children in this age group who have received two or more total doses of trivalent or quadrivalent flu vaccine before july 1, 2019 need only one dose for this season. Michigan is experiencing widespread influenza activity. A flu shot makes it easy to protect yourself and your family. Getting vaccinated later, however, can still be beneficial and vaccination should continue to be offered throughout the flu season, even into january or later, according to the cdc site. Currently, 37 states are now reporting widespread flu activity, with new york city and 10 states reporting a high level of activity. Thats when you want to make sure youre best protected. Jan 02, 2020 effectiveness estimates for this season are not yet available because its early in the season. With flu season in full swing, its never too late to get. Cidrap news although 77 million doses of seasonal influenza vaccine have already been delivered this fall, distribution delays have left some providers emptyhanded, prompting the centers for disease control and prevention cdc to intensify its message on the benefits of late season vaccination. But its not too late to get a flu shot, even if peak season has passed. Jan 10, 2019 flu activity is picking up, with widespread infection in 24 states. With flu season peaking, its never too late to get your flu shot.
Nov 07, 2018 flu season generally peaks anytime from late november through march, according to the cdc. Feb 20, 2020 even in late winter and early spring, its still worth getting a flu shot. Getting vaccinated before the flu season is in full force ideally by the end of october gives the body a chance to make antibodies that protect from the virus even though its best to get vaccinated as soon as the flu vaccine is available, getting the vaccine later still can be helpful. The 20182019 flu vaccine ultimately turned out to be a poor match for the circulating viruses, being just 29 percent effective, thanks to a lateseason surge of.
Both protect against four types of influenza virus. Nov 05, 2019 the flu shots effectiveness wanes a bit as the season wears on, so getting it very early can slightly reduce its effectiveness. Get one as soon as you can, especially if you are an older adult, have a compromised immune system, or. Even though the flu season is well underway, health experts say its still not too late to get a flu shot.
Misconceptions about seasonal flu and flu vaccines cdc. Flu season is here, but its not too late to get the vaccine. Even though its best to get it then, being vaccinated later can still help protect against the flu. Everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine each season. Cidrap news although 77 million doses of seasonal influenza vaccine have already been delivered this fall, distribution delays have left some providers emptyhanded, prompting the centers for disease control and prevention cdc to intensify its message on the benefits of lateseason vaccination. Mar 29, 2018 influenza b is usually the most prominent strain that circulates late in flu season, william schaffner, m. But even by march its not too late to get the shot, as the season typically extends to april or even may.
Because the timing of the onset, peak and end of flu seasons varies from year to year and cannot be predicted, it is difficult to say when is the best time to be vaccinated for any one season. We still might be in this for a couple more months, spencer said. The 20182019 flu vaccine ultimately turned out to be a poor match for the circulating viruses, being just 29 percent effective, thanks to a late season surge of. Peak flu season usually arrives in january or february. The fact is health authorities know a flu epidemic will occur sometime between late november and late march, and that the epidemic will spike, then decline, roughly over a week period.