Home>Health Information>Immunization>Influenza Vaccine

INFLUENZA VACCINE

This page was reviewed or revised on Tuesday, December 23, 2008.

Immunization Facts

What is Influenza?

Influenza (commonly known as "the flu") is a serious respiratory infection that is caused by the influenza virus.  

People who get influenza may have a fever, chills, cough, runny eyes, stuffy nose, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, extreme weakness and fatigue. Children can also have earaches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The cough and fatigue can last for several weeks.  

Illness due to influenza usually lasts 2 to 7 days; sometimes longer in the elderly and in people with chronic diseases. Some people can become very ill and may require hospitalization.

How do I get the flu?

The flu is spread easily through coughing, sneezing or through touching contaminated surfaces or objects like unwashed hands, toys and eating utensils.

How can I prevent the flu?

The flu shot is your best defence against the flu virus. In addition to the flu shot there are other ways to boost your protection:

• Wash your hands often

• Eat a balanced diet high in fruits and vegetables

• Older adults have a higher risk of developing severe illness from the flu, such as pneumonia. Anyone with symptoms of illness should avoid visiting older adults in hospitals and long-term care homes.

Can the flu shot give me the flu?

No. The flu vaccine does not contain live virus so you cannot get the flu from the vaccine.  Most people that get the flu shot have no serious problems but it may cause some side effects, such as:

• Soreness, redness or swelling at the spot where you received the vaccine.

• A fever or muscle aches that may last for 1-2 days.

Serious side effects are rare. If you have a severe allergic reaction, it usually happens shortly after you get the flu shot. You will be requested to stay in the clinic area for at least 15 minutes after you get the flu shot.  

Signs of an allergic reaction include:

• Hives or an itchy rash

• Swelling of the mouth or throat

• Trouble breathing, hoarseness or wheezing

• Pale skin colour, weakness, fast heart beat or dizziness

A rare but possible side effect of influenza vaccination is Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). This is an autoimmune disease that attacks the nervous system and results in weakness and abnormal sensations. However, most patients recover fully. Your chance of developing GBS as a result of a flu shot is possibly one in a million.

If you experience unusual reactions to the flu shot vaccine, please contact your doctor or call the Community Health Services Department.

Who should NOT get the flu shot?

• Children under 6 months of age.

• People who are sick with a fever.

• People with a severe allergy to eggs (an ingredient used to make the vaccine).

What is the difference between the common cold and the flu?

Colds, stomach flu and other viral infections are often confused with the flu (influenza) but they are caused by viruses different from the flu virus.

Related Link:  Community Flu Clinics in Lambton County