How can I prevent influenza?
The single best way to prevent influenza is to get a flu vaccination each year. There are 2 types of vaccines. The 1st, the “flu shot”, is an inactivated vaccine (containing killed viruses) that is given with a needle. The flu shot is approved for use in people 6 months of age and older, including healthy people and people with chronic medical conditions.

The 2nd, the nasal-spray, a vaccine made with live, weakened flu viruses (sometimes called LAIV for “live attenuated influenza vaccine”) that do not cause the flu. LAIV is approved for use in healthy people 2-49 years of age who are not pregnant.

About 2 weeks after vaccination, antibodies develop that protect against influenza virus infection. Flu vaccines will not protect against flu-like illnesses caused by non-influenza viruses. You cannot get the flu from the vaccine. However, flu vaccine will not protect you from other lung infections, such as colds and bronchitis.

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1. Are indoor pools safe in a thunderstorm?
2. Is it really necessary to evacuate a swimming pool when lightning threatens?
3. What is the difference between seasonal flu and stomach flu?
4. How can I prevent influenza?
5. How does Influenza (flu) spread?
6. What are some complications that can result from Influenza?
7. What is the flu?
8. What if my child did not get her shots when she was supposed to, or has gotten behind schedule?
9. Why are infant and childhood immunizations so important?