Anne Arundel County Department of Health

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Flu: Influenza or the Flu

Last Update: 8.27.2010

Influenza or "flu" is a viral infection of the nose, throat and lungs that can make anyone sick. It is not life threatening in healthy individuals; however, older residents, young children, pregnant women and those with chronic health problems are more likely to become seriously ill or be hospitalized by the flu.

Symptoms include fever, chills, runny nose and a headache.

Persons should consult with their physician before getting the seasonal flu shot if they

have ever had a serious reaction to eggs or to a previous dose of flu vaccine,
have a history of Guillain-Barr Syndrome, or
are moderately or seriously ill at the time the shot is scheduled.

Most people who get a flu shot have no reaction to it. The viruses in the injectable vaccine administered by the Department of Health are not live, so you can't get influenza from it. Mild side effects may include: soreness, redness or swelling at the site of the injection; fever; and muscle aches.

When is the best time to get the vaccine?

Seasonal flu usually lasts from late fall to early spring. Although the immunization works best when shots are received in October or November, according to the Centers for Disease Control people can still be vaccinated in the winter. Immunity given by the vaccine is not 100%. The strain of flu varies from year to year and shots must be repeated annually. For flu season 2010-2011, the vaccine provides protection against A/H1N1 (pandemic) influenza and two other flu viruses — influenza A/H3N2 and influenza B.

Additional Information:

Cover Your Cough [Requires Real Player]
Why Don't We Do It In Our Sleeves? [Requires Windows Media Player]
Why Flu Vaccination Matters: Personal Stories from Families Affected by the Flu