With the holiday season bringing gatherings and festivities, health experts are reminding the public that flu season is also upon us. February historically marks the peak month for influenza activity, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To reduce the risk of contracting the flu, medical professionals strongly recommend getting vaccinated annually.
Dr. Matthew Heller, an associate professor of family medicine at New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, advises that everyone over the age of 6 months should receive a flu shot each year. “Always talk to your physician about potential exceptions and find out whether the flu vaccine is appropriate for you,” Heller said in a recent interview.
The flu vaccine works by stimulating the body to develop antibodies that protect against the influenza virus. While no vaccine is 100% effective, Heller noted that vaccinated individuals who still catch the flu typically experience milder symptoms and fewer complications. Even in seasons when the vaccine's effectiveness is reduced due to virus mutations, it still offers significant protection against hospitalizations and deaths, and it reduces the risk of influenza-associated outpatient visits across all age groups.
One common misconception is that the flu shot can give you the flu. Heller emphasized that this is impossible because the vaccines are made from inactivated viruses or components that cannot cause illness. However, he stressed the importance of getting vaccinated early, as it takes about two weeks for the body to build full immunity.
Flu symptoms can include fever, chills, body aches, cough, headache, and fatigue. These symptoms typically appear a few days after exposure, and an infected person can spread the virus even before symptoms develop. Symptoms may last for about a week.
While most healthy individuals can recover at home with rest and fluids, those in high-risk groups—such as adults aged 65 and older, young children, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions—should contact a physician if they suspect they have the flu, as they are more prone to complications.
Beyond vaccination, Heller recommends other preventive measures: frequent hand washing, using hand sanitizer, cleaning high-traffic surfaces, avoiding touching the face, steering clear of large crowds, and sneezing into a tissue or elbow. These practices can help limit the spread of the virus.
“The flu spreads easily from person to person,” Heller said. “Getting the flu vaccine will not only protect you but also protect all those around you. By setting the example, others will follow.”
For more information on flu prevention and other health topics, visit nyit.edu.
