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Influenza (flu)
Which adults need influenza vaccine?
- All adults need influenza vaccine every year.
- You can get the vaccine as soon as it becomes available in your area or anytime during the influenza season.
- Adults with certain health conditions including heart disease, asthma, diabetes, a liver or kidney disorder, or a weakened immune system are at especially high-risk for influenza and its complications. In most cases, they should also be vaccinated for pneumococcal disease.
Did you know...
the flu vaccine is recommended for everyone every year?
What happens when someone gets influenza?
- The severity of flu can vary based on which strains are circulating. Common symptoms include fever, chills, cough, headache, runny nose, sore throat, joint, and muscle pain.
- Influenza can become severe, even in healthy people, and can lead to complications resulting in hospitalization or death.
- People can pass the flu virus to others before they know they are sick.
Why is annual influenza vaccination important?
- Influenza viruses are very “smart” and they change often to avoid our immune systems. The influenza vaccine is updated annually to include protection against the current viruses circulating.
- There’s no easy way to know when an influenza season will be severe, so vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and those around you.
How else can I avoid the flu?
- Getting the influenza vaccine every year is the single most important step toward protection, but there are actions you can take to stay healthy.
- Visit the CDC’s “Take 3” Actions to Fight the Flu site for additional information on everyday good hygiene tips, like proper use and disposal of tissues when you cough and sneeze, handwashing tips, when to use alcohol-based hand rubs, and more.
- Appropriate use of antiviral medicines to treat flu, should you get it.
FAQ: Is it OK for me to get the flu vaccine at work or at a grocery or drug store?
Yes! Influenza vaccines are now available in more places than ever, and it’s a good idea to get yours at the most convenient place for you.
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FAQ: Where can I get additional information about flu/influenza vaccines?
There are many sites with valuable and accurate information about influenza and ways to protect yourself. Here are just a few:
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