StopFlu

Questions?

• Does the flu shot protect against COVID-19?
  No. The flu shot doesn’t protect against COVID-19. However, the flu vaccine can help reduce your risk of flu illness, hospitalization, and death. It can also help lessen the severity of flu symptoms.
• Does the COVID-19 vaccine protect against the flu?
  No. The COVID-19 vaccine doesn’t protect against the flu. However, the COVID-19 vaccine does reduce your risk of COVID-19 illness, hospitalization, and death. It can also help lessen the severity of COVID-19 symptoms. Learn more about this year’s updated COVID-19 vaccine and how to schedule an appointment at KP.org/CovidVaccine.
• Does the flu shot protect against RSV?
  No. The flu shot doesn’t protect against RSV. Everyone 6 months and older should get the flu shot. People 60 and older should talk to their health care provider about getting an RSV vaccine. Individuals can get the flu shot, updated COVID-19 vaccine, and RSV vaccine in the same appointment.
• What is the difference between the flu and COVID-19?
  The flu and COVID-19 are both respiratory illnesses, but they’re caused by different viruses. The flu is caused by influenza viruses, whereas COVID-19 is caused by a coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. Some flu and COVID-19 symptoms are similar, so it can be hard to tell the difference between the two without getting a test to confirm. Visit Kaiser Permanente’s symptoms and treatment page to learn more about similarities and differences between the common cold, flu, COVID-19, and RSV.
• Can I have the flu and COVID-19 at the same time?
  Yes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it’s possible to have the flu and COVID-19 at the same time. While details are continuing to emerge on how common this is, you can at least protect yourself from the flu by getting the flu shot and updated COVID-19 vaccine.
• Can the flu shot increase my risk of getting COVID-19?
  No. There is no evidence that getting a flu shot increases your risk of getting sick from COVID-19. The flu weakens the immune system. Get the flu shot so your immune system can be as strong as possible during the fall and winter virus season.
• Is it safe to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine and a flu shot at the same time?
  Yes, it’s safe to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine and your flu shot at the same time. Adults 60 and older who are eligible for an RSV vaccine can get all three vaccines in one appointment. Learn more about the updated COVID-19 vaccine at CP.org/CovidVaccine.
• Should the flu shot be given to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19?
  No. If you tested positive for COVID-19, or believe you might have it, it’s best to wait before getting a flu shot. This will help prevent the spread of COVID-19 to anyone in the flu shot location, including other patients and health care teams.
• Why should I get the flu vaccine if I’m healthy?
  Getting the flu vaccine protects not only you, but also your loved ones and community. Flu spreads from person to person. So if you get vaccinated, you are preventing someone else from getting the flu who might be more at risk than you, including children and older adults. Keeping our community healthy is important because multiple respiratory viruses are spreading this season.
• When is it too late to get the flu vaccine?
  It’s best to get vaccinated early in the fall, ideally by the end of October before flu season begins. But you can get the flu vaccine any time during flu season, between September and May. It will still help protect you and your community whenever you get it. Many health care experts expect this year’s flu season to be worse because fewer people were exposed to the flu last year.
• Why do I need a flu shot every year?
  Flu viruses change each year. New flu vaccines are created every year to fight the latest virus. Plus, the immunity you get from a flu shot only lasts for one flu season or about six months.
• Can the flu shot give you the flu?
  No. The flu shot can’t give you the flu. The vaccine doesn’t contain a live virus, so it can’t make you sick. Flu vaccines given with a needle (i.e., flu shots) are made with either inactivated (killed) viruses or with only a single protein from the flu virus. The nasal spray vaccine contains live viruses that are attenuated (weakened) so that they will not cause illness.
• Should pregnant people get the flu shot? Is it safe?
  Yes. Flu vaccination is safe during pregnancy. The flu is more likely to cause severe illness in pregnant people, so those who are pregnant should get the flu shot as soon as possible during flu season.
• Is it safe for children to get the flu shot?
  Yes. The flu vaccine is safe for children 6 months and older and can even be lifesaving. The flu can be very dangerous. Children 5 years and younger sometimes need medical care because of the flu.
• How quickly does the flu vaccine work?
  Two weeks after you get vaccinated. That’s how long it takes your body to make the antibodies that protect you from the flu. And that’s why it’s important to get the flu shot early.
• Does the flu shot have any side effects?
  Any side effects are generally mild and go away within a few days. Common side effects include soreness or redness at the injection site, headache, fever, nausea, and muscle aches.
• What options do I have for my flu vaccine?
  The flu vaccine is available as a shot and as a nasal spray.
• How does the flu spread?
  The flu virus spreads mainly through tiny droplets made when people with the flu cough, sneeze, or talk. These droplets can land in the mouth or nose of other people nearby. And even more shocking, these droplets can travel up to 6 feet. Plus, the virus can survive on surfaces, such as doorknobs and tables, for up to 24 hours. And it can live on hard surfaces, like stainless steel and plastic, for up to 48 hours.
• How long does the flu last?
  For most people, the flu lasts three to seven days. But coughing, fatigue, and weakness can last for more than two weeks.
• How long are you contagious with the flu?
  People are typically contagious for about a week. It’s possible to give others the flu one day before you show symptoms. That’s because flu symptoms usually start about two days after the flu virus enters your body. In general, you can spread the virus up to seven days after you start feeling sick.
• How important is it to regularly wash my hands and wear a mask?
  Washing your hands and wearing a mask are important and do help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses. But the best way to keep you and your community safe is to get vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19, and RSV if you’re eligible.
• Where can I go for more answers?
  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has helpful information here.