The thermometer reads 101.4, you’re surrounded by a lake of used tissues, and even your fingers and toes ache! You have the flu. You canceled a fun weekend getaway and had to arrange with your mom to get the kids to school. Fast forward two weeks, you still feel weak and haven’t been able to get back to your exercise routine.

 

Flu is short for “influenza,” which comes from the Latin word for “influence.” People used the word “influenza” to describe diseases they thought to be caused or “influenced” by the night stars. My name’s Claire and I’m a senior health educator in the Montefiore Medical System. This year, I’m proud to consider myself an “influenza influencer!”

 

The flu is an illness of the respiratory system (throat, lungs, diaphragm) that causes fever, chills, runny nose, body aches, and cough. It spreads easily between people by touch, breath and saliva. Flu season begins generally in September and lasts until late winter. We’re at risk of contracting the flu during the cold months because we spend more time inside and the virus spreads most easily in small spaces!

 

The flu can cause moderate to severe symptoms. While most people recover fully, children, older adults, and people with certain health conditions like obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are at risk for severe illness and even death.

 

The flu can change a person’s health forever and even end lives, but you have the power to lower that risk with one shot! The best step is for everyone age 6 months and older to get a flu vaccine.

 

There are two types of vaccines available:

Influenza (flu) vaccine (inactivated or recombinant): This vaccine is delivered by injection. Everyone 6 months and older can get the vaccine.

Influenza (flu) vaccine (live, intranasal): This vaccine is a nasal spray. People ages 2 through 49 years who are not pregnant may receive this (per the CDC), and now you can even give yourself a dose at home!

 

Many people have mixed feelings about vaccines for themselves and their young ones. Check out this decision-making tool from Montefiore to help you explore those feelings and make healthy decisions. Let’s address two common concerns about the flu vaccine.

 

1.You got the flu shot and still got the flu! You’ve certainly heard this, and you may have said it yourself. This may be true, but it could also be a misconception because colds, the flu, and COVID-19 are easily confused. While they do share some of the same symptoms, they are different.

 

Most people get a cold several times a year. In contrast, people generally get the flu only once every few years! Cold symptoms tend to be milder compared to the flu and COVID-19 and rarely cause a very high fever. Medical providers also strongly recommend you get a COVID-19 vaccine as well this fall.

 

2.You got sick from the flu shot! Your immune system is like a superhero that fights bad guys. A flu vaccine contains a tiny dose of flu virus. When it enters the body, the immune system sends cells to fight back and the symptoms that follow are signs that a battle took place!

 

Thankfully, these symptoms are predictable, often mild, short-term, and almost always safe. A true flu infection is typically associated with more severe and longer lasting symptoms. If you’re elderly, young, or have chronic conditions like diabetes, obesity or high blood pressure, you’re more likely to have severe symptoms that could lead to hospitalization.

 

Planning the Flu Shot

You need to PLAN things to DO things.  Let’s walk through the steps of making a plan using a concept I call the ABCs of planning.

 

A stands for Activity, which is “getting a flu shot!” B is for “Be Specific.” Choose the day, time, and place where you’ll get your shot for yourself and/or loved ones. Thankfully, getting your flu and Covid-19 vaccines is easier than in the past. Ask your primary doctor or the doctor for your kids or family members when you can get a shot at the clinic.

 

Another great option is to visit your nearest pharmacy or check their website to learn about their flu shot hours or make an appointment online for an exact time! It’s best to choose a date when you can return home after, because it’s likely you’ll feel a little run down. I once got a flu shot before my dad’s birthday dinner. Never again! If you exercise regularly (and we hope you do!!!), plan to exercise before your shot. I’ve made an appointment at my neighborhood pharmacy for an upcoming Sunday and will use the gym beforehand.

 

Finally, C is for Calendar. Make sure you record the date and time you intend to go so you don’t forget and need to find a new date. The flu can throw you off your game and your health. Protect yourself and your loved ones with a free, safe flu vaccine.  You have many choices to get a flu shot at a location, day and time you choose. Wishing you a healthy, happy September and flu season!

 

Claire Garon MPH, CLC is a senior health educator at the Office of Community & Population Health at Montefiore Health System.