Frequently Asked Questions about Flu and Pneumonia

What are the common myths about the flu shot (inactivated influenza vaccine)?

Myth - You can get the flu from the flu shot. Fact - The injectable flu vaccine is inactive, with no living components. Flu-like reactions which occurred with vaccines given many,many years ago are not associated with today's highly purified vaccines.

Myth - The words "Flu" and "cold" can be used interchangeable. Fact - Flu causes fever and affects the lungs. Colds do not cause fever and are limited to the nose and throat.

Myth - There is no point getting a flu shot once the season starts. Fact - It is best to get your flu shot before flu season starts (before December in Colorado), but it is better late than never!

What is influenza (flu)?

Influenza or flu is a viral infection of the nose, throat, bronchial tubes and lungs that can make someone of any age sick. If you have the flu, you usually have high fever, fatigue, sore throat, aches, pains, chills and cough. The flu can cause exhaustion lasting several days. Flu suffers typically spend four days in bed and about a week to fully recover. Seniors and people with chronic illnesses take ever longer to recover. Unfortunately, thousands of people die each year in the U.S. from the flu or related complications.

Why should I get a flu vaccination?

You need a flu shot each year because the strains of the virus change each year. Flu shots are safe. You won't get the the flu from a flu shot. Flu shots are effective in preventing flu. In addition, your immunization will provide you with protection against lower respiratory tract infections and other complications.

Who should get a flu vaccination?

Anyone can get the flu. At most risk of complications from influenza are: people with a chronic disease such as diabetes, heart conditions or asthma, people over age 50, residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, pregnant women. Flu shots are recommended for health care workers and persons (including household members) in close contact with persons at high risk . Influenza vaccine also can be administered to any person over 6 months of age to reduce the possibility of becoming infected with influenza.

What are the risks from flu vaccine?

Most people have no side effects from the vaccination. Flu shots are given by injection, usually into a muscle of the upper arm. This may cause soreness for a day or two at the injection site and occasionally may also cause a fever or achiness for one or two days. Unlike the 1976 swine flu, recents shots have not been linked to the paralytic illness Guillian Barre syndrome. As is the case with most drugs or vaccines, there is a possibility that allergic or more serious reactions, or even death, could occur with the flu shot. These serious reactions are extremely rare and most likely linked to residual egg protein in the vaccine.

What is pneumococcal disease?

Pneumococcal disease is an infection caused by a certain type of bacteria. When these bacteria invade the lungs, they cause the most common kind of bacterial pneumonia. The same bacteria can also attack the bloodstream (bacteremia) and/or the brain (meningitis). The infection kills thousands of people in the United States each, most of them over 65 years of age.

What are the symptoms of pneumococcal disease (pneumonia)?

High fever, cough with chest pain and mucus, shaking chills, breathlessness, and chest pain that increases with breathing. Symptoms of pneumococcal meningitis include stiff neck, fever, mental confusion and disorientation, and photophobia (extreme sensitivity to light). The symptoms of pneumococcal bacteremia may include a combination of pneumonia, meningitis, arthritis and fever.

How long does the pneumonia vaccination last?

One shot lasts most people a lifetime. For those under 65 years of age, it is recommended that boster shots be given every 5 years. Check with your physician for a specific recommendation for you.

Who should get a pneumonia shot?

People who are 65 and older; people who have chronic illness such as cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, sickle cell disease, diabetes mellitus, alcoholism, chronic liver disease, or cerebrospinal fluid leaks; people with weak immune systems due to illnesses such as Hodgkin’s disease, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and those who have had their spleen removed; residents of nursing homes; Alaskan Natives and certain American Indian populations.

Is the vaccine safe?

The vaccine is safe and effective in preventing illness and death due to pneumococcal disease. Some people have mild side effects from the shot, but these are usually minor and last only a short time. When side effects do occur, the most common include swelling and soreness at the spot where the shot was given. A few people experience fever and muscle pain. As with any medicine, there are very small risks that serious problems, even death, could occur after getting a vaccine. However, the risks from the disease far outweigh the risks from the vaccine. You cannot get pneumococcal disease from the vaccine.