Best time to get the flu shot

While the flu virus is present throughout the year, the flu season begins in the United States in early October and, according to Dr. Jena Sussex-Pizula, at the University of Southern California, you should get vaccinated as soon as possible. as possible, before the season begins.

"It takes about two weeks to get full protection against the flu vaccine, so it is essential to get vaccinated before the flu spreads in the community," she told POPSUGAR. "The shot is available now [in September] and is almost always covered by the most basic health insurance plans. "You can even get the vaccine for free at many pharmacies.

If you miss this window, make an appointment earlier – the vaccine by the end of October will give you protection before the peak of influenza cases, said Dr. Honore Lansen of One Medical. "But better late than never: if December is unfolding and you have not yet received your flu shot, do not hesitate, the influenza vaccine is available throughout the influenza season."

About vaccination?

You should seriously consider it, with a few exceptions. "Anyone over the age of 6 months should be vaccinated against influenza unless you have had an allergic reaction before," said Dr. Stephanie Long, MD, at One Medical. "The flu vaccine is not a live vaccine, which means that it can not give you the flu.The vaccine asks your body to respond to an immune response, so if you experience pain, it's not about the flu, do the proper immune response. "

And getting vaccinated is not just about staying safe and healthy. You will also protect your loved ones and your community. "It's the holiday season and you're perhaps more often around children, pregnant women and older people," said Dr. Sussex-Pizula. "A terrible cough, fever, and body aches in a young adult can be life-threatening, and you can even spread the flu for up to two days before you get symptoms." The flu shot is the best option for you. protect the people you love from the flu. "

The doctors also insisted on the importance of vigilant handwashing. "It's a great way to prevent hand-to-hand transmission," said Dr. Sussex-Pizula. "We touch our face hundreds of times a day, potentially introducing the virus into our facial mucosa, and hand washing can reduce this spread."