A Moment with Marley

Flu Fact Friday Week 1

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In this episode of A Moment with Marley, we are kicking off our Flu Fact Friday series, where, for the month of October, we will be providing weekly information about seasonal influenza.

This week we will talk about a common myth about the seasonal flu shot.

MYTH: The seasonal flu shot can give you the flu.  

FACT: No, the flu vaccine can't give you the flu. And, the flu vaccine does not make you more likely to get another respiratory infection based on available evidence.

But, you might develop flu-like symptoms — despite getting a flu vaccine — for many reasons, including:

  • Reaction to the vaccine.Some people have muscle aches and a fever for a day or two after receiving a flu vaccine. This may be a side effect of your body's production of protective antibodies.
  • The two-week window.It takes about two weeks for the flu shot to take full effect. If you are exposed to the influenza virus shortly before or during that time period, you might catch the flu.
  • Other illnesses.Many other illnesses, such as COVID-19, also have flu-like symptoms. So you may think you have the flu when you actually don't.

    • For almost everyone, a flu vaccine can lower the risk of the flu and its complications. Do you still need to get your seasonal flu shot? We’ve got you covered! Our Public Health Clinic at 165 Miller Street offers both the adult and child flu shot. Call our Public Health Clinic at (203) 630-4234 to make your appointment.

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    A Moment with MarleyBy Meriden DOH