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Health and Wellness 4 minute read

Not Too Late for Flu Shot: How to Protect Yourself from the Flu

Learn why it’s not too late to get your flu shot, how the flu vaccine works, and simple ways to protect yourself from the flu and stay healthy all season.
All categories Health and Wellness Primary Care Pediatrics Screenings and Immunizations

As winter weather sets in, seasonal viruses like the flu season are at their peak. Yet, it’s not too late to protect yourself and your family from the flu. The flu vaccine helps prevent illness, ease symptoms, and keep you and your loved ones healthier during one of the busiest times of the year.

When is the best time to get a flu shot?

While physicians recommend getting your flu shot in the early fall before the flu season begins, that doesn’t mean you’ve missed your window. Flu season reaches its height between December and February, often lasting well into spring. Getting your flu vaccine during these months can still provide strong protection.

If you’ve already come into contact with the influenza virus this year, the flu vaccination is still important and can keep you protected against other circulating strains.

The flu shot typically protects you for about six months, long enough to last through most of the flu season. Therefore, families who get vaccinated in the winter months are still well protected throughout the school year.

What is the flu?

Influenza, also known as the flu, is a viral infection affecting your body’s respiratory system. While many people recover from the flu on their own with rest and over-the-counter medication, the influenza virus can become serious and cause complications that lead to hospitalization or death.

What are flu symptoms?

Flu symptoms often come on suddenly, sometimes within just a few hours. You may experience several symptoms, including:

How does the flu vaccine work?

The flu vaccine helps your immune system recognize and fight off the influenza virus before it makes you seriously ill. When you get your flu shot, your body creates antibodies that protect against the strains most likely to circulate that year. These antibodies stay active for months, protecting you and your family throughout flu season.

Every flu season is different. Because flu viruses change over time, the vaccine is updated each year to target the strains expected to cause the most infections.

Is the flu shot safe?

Yes, the flu vaccine is safe. Before any flu vaccine becomes available, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) carefully evaluates the vaccine for several factors, such as:

  • Effectiveness
  • Consistency
  • Safety and quality standards

Once available to the public, the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will continue to monitor the vaccine for any safety concerns.

What are the side effects of the flu vaccine?

Millions of people, including children, pregnant individuals, and adults over 65, get the flu shot each year and experience little to no side effects. However, some report mild side effects such as:

  • Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site
  • Mild fatigue and body aches, lasting one to two days after the shot
  • Headache or low-grade fever

Mild side effects are a normal part of the process and are a sign that your body is building protection. If you experience more severe symptoms, such as trouble breathing and extreme swelling, consult your doctor about next steps.

What to do if you have the flu

While the flu vaccine provides stronger protection against influenza than no vaccine, it's still possible to catch the virus after your immunization. If you or a family member gets the flu, make sure to prioritize recovery to get you back to feeling your best.

  • Stay home and rest. Allow your body time to heal and avoid contact with others for at least 24 hours after your fever has passed.
  • Drink plenty of fluids. Water, tea, and clear soups can help you stay hydrated and replace fluids lost.
  • Use over-the-counter medicines to ease symptoms like fever, sore throat, or body aches, if recommended by your doctor.
  • Visit your primary care physician if you’re at higher risk for complications, such as young children, older adults, pregnant people, or anyone with chronic health conditions.

Flu season may be here, but by getting your annual flu vaccine, you can keep you and your family protected all season long. It’s never too late—schedule a visit with your primary care physician to get your annual flu shot.