Flu Shot: What It Is, Who Needs It, and What You Should Know
When you hear flu shot, a vaccine designed to protect against seasonal influenza viruses. Also known as the influenza vaccine, it’s one of the few medical tools that actually stops illness before it starts. Every year, millions get it—not because it’s required, but because it works. Unlike colds, the flu can land you in the hospital, especially if you’re over 65, pregnant, or have a chronic condition like heart disease or diabetes. The flu shot doesn’t guarantee you won’t get sick, but it cuts your risk by 40% to 60% in most seasons, and even if you do catch it, you’re far less likely to end up in intensive care.
The influenza vaccine, a yearly immunization that targets the most common flu strains circulating each season is updated annually based on global surveillance. It’s not the same shot you got last year—because the virus changes. That’s why timing matters. Getting it in early fall gives your body time to build protection before flu season peaks. It’s also safe for most people, including those with egg allergies. The biggest myth? That it gives you the flu. It doesn’t. It contains dead virus parts or just a single gene, so your body learns to fight without getting sick.
People with weakened immune systems, like those on certain medications for autoimmune diseases or cancer, rely on others getting vaccinated to stay protected. That’s called herd immunity. Even if you’re young and healthy, skipping the shot puts others at risk. The vaccine safety, the ongoing monitoring of flu shots for side effects and effectiveness across millions of doses is one of the most tightly tracked systems in medicine. Serious reactions are extremely rare—far rarer than complications from the flu itself.
What you’ll find in the posts below isn’t just a list of articles. It’s a practical guide to what matters: who should get the flu shot, what to expect after the injection, how it interacts with other medications you’re taking, and why some people still avoid it despite the evidence. You’ll see real-world connections between flu prevention and heart health, medication side effects, and even how stress can make you more vulnerable. No fluff. No fearmongering. Just what you need to decide for yourself—and maybe for someone you care about.
- By Percival Harrington
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- 19 Nov 2025
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