How long does it take for the influenza vaccine to be effective?

The flu season has arrived – and if you have not left yet for your annual flu shot, you probably have at least penciled it in your calendar (hint). Seriously, there is no reason not to do it. The flu shot is simple, does not take time and is the best way to reduce your chances of spending a week in agony.

But there is one thing the flu shot can not do: protect you from the flu immediately. In fact, the vaccine needs time to work magically.

<p class = "canvas-atom web-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "" It takes about two weeks after the vaccine. "Jean Moorjani , MD, pediatrician at the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Health Children at Orlando Health, tells Health. This means that the flu could still invade you during this two week waiting period. "Data-reactid =" 24 ">" It takes about two weeks after the vaccine is administered so that your body produces enough antibodies to protect against the flu "Jean Moorjani, MD, a pediatrician Arnold Palmer Children's Hospital Orlando Health, tells Health. This means that the flu could still invade you during this two week waiting period.

<p class = "canvas-atom canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "RELATED: What to eat (and drink) when you have the flu "data-reactid =" 25 ">RELATED: What to eat (and drink) when you have the flu

That's why it's important not to see your flu shot pass for a room and to drop other precautions against the flu. You must still get enough sleep, follow a healthy diet and stick to your training schedule so that your immune system stays in control of the flu virus.

And of course, wash with soap and water (or use a hand sanitizer if you can not find a sink) regularly, especially before eating or touching your eyes, nose or face. stuffy. particles enter your body and infect you. Even after the two weeks of waiting, never neglect these anti-flu measures.

Also, if you're wondering if you really need the flu shot, the answer is yes to 100%. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends immunization for all people over six months of age.

<p class = "canvas-atom canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "RELATED: 25 ways to survive the cold and flu season "data-reactid =" 29 ">RELATED: 25 ways to survive the cold and flu season

"We always encourage everyone to get vaccinated as soon as possible," says Dr. Moorjani. As you have to give your body two weeks to develop these antibodies, it is essential that you receive your vaccine by the end of October, she says. Nobody wants to enter the high season of the flu, which increases in November and December, without adequate protection.

<p class = "canvas-atom canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "To receive our best articles in your inbox, sign up for Healthy lifestyle bulletin"data-reactid =" 31 ">To receive our best articles in your inbox, sign up for Healthy lifestyle bulletin