Should You Get a Flu Shot This Year? (Answer: Yes)

You can get seasonal influenza (flu) at any time of the year, but it circulates mostly during fall and winter, which is flu season. Health officials stress the importance of flu vaccination to minimize the occurrence of flu. It's just one of the things you can do to protect yourself this year in light of another possible "tripledemic" of viruses: influenza, COVID-19, and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). 

Dr. Mary Beth Saunders, a board-certified infectious disease physician with Lee Health, explains why you should get the flu vaccination. She also updates us on new vaccine guidelines that remove precautions for people with egg allergies.

Every flu season is different, and the virus can affect people differently. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates the flu caused approximately 650,000 hospitalizations and 58,000 deaths during the 2022-2023 season.

Flu viruses increase in October and usually peak between December and February. “In Florida, our influenza season typically lasts through April due to spring break holidays,” Dr. Saunders notes.

Why getting re-vaccinated protects everyone, including you

Everyone ages six months and older should get a flu shot every season, with rare exceptions, Dr. Saunders says. (For more information about the CDC’s recommendation about who should and should NOT get a flu vaccine, go here.)

“Getting re-vaccinated each year not only protects us but also our family, co-workers, and community members. The immunity we had against a particular strain of flu last year won’t recognize a virus that’s now changed into something different,” Dr. Saunders explains. “Also, immunity from the vaccination declines over time.

“The flu is very contagious and can be transmitted to others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to five to seven days after the illness begins,” Dr. Saunders says. “It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the antibodies to develop in the body. You should keep in mind the time it takes to develop protection, especially with the holidays approaching."

Ideally, you should get vaccinated by the end of October. But vaccination after October can still provide protection during the peak of flu season, Dr. Saunders notes.

Vaccination is particularly important for people who are at high risk of developing flu-related complications, such as adults ages 65 and above. 

Dr. Saunders, citing CDC surveillance data, says, “about 70 to 85 percent of flu-related deaths and 50 to 70 percent of flu-related hospitalizations occur in people 65 and older. Severe flu complications can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma or diabetes.”

Others who are at high risk of developing flu-related complications include:

• Pregnant women
• Residents in nursing homes or long-term care facilities
• Children younger than 5, but especially younger than 2 years of age
• People who have medical conditions, such as asthma, heart disease, chronic lung diseases and weakened immune systems, among others

New CDC flu vaccine guidelines for people with egg allergies

Most flu vaccines are produced using an egg-based manufacturing process. Until this year, the CDC recommended additional safety measures for people with egg allergies. 

However, the agency now recommends that people with egg allergies can receive any flu shot, egg-based or otherwise, and they don't need a special doctor's appointment to do so, the CDC says. This advice is based on new guidance from a CDC vaccine advisory committee that recently reviewed the available safety data. 

Dr. Saunders says if you have questions about which flu vaccine to get, talk to your doctor. 

Follow these good health habits to help keep the flu away

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
• Keep your hands clean. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

Don’t have a primary care physician? We can help you find one or a specialist whose education, training, and medical interests match your health needs.

Call 239-481-4111 or visit our Primary Care page for more information.