Make Your Annual Physical Work Harder for You This Flu Season

Your annual physical may be one of the few times each year when you sit down with your primary care physician to talk about your health, even when nothing feels wrong. It is a chance to review medications, talk about changes you have noticed and make sure you are up to date on recommended screenings.

Vaccinations are another part of that conversation. As an adult, it can be easy to assume that vaccines are mostly something you needed when you were younger. The flu vaccine is one exception. It is recommended every year, and there are several reasons why your doctor may bring it up during your annual visit.

Why Do Flu Shots Change Every Year?

If you received a flu shot last year, you may wonder why you need another one this year. Influenza viruses change over time, and the protection from vaccination decreases. The flu vaccine is updated each year to help provide protection against the influenza viruses expected to circulate during the upcoming flu season.

The vaccine works with your immune system to help your body recognize and respond to influenza. It does not guarantee that you will not get sick, but it can lower your risk of getting the flu and may reduce the risk of serious complications.

For patients at higher risk, that protection can be particularly important. Your primary care physician can consider your age, health history and other factors when discussing whether the flu vaccine is appropriate for you.

When is the Best Time to Get a Flu Shot?

For most people, September or October is a good time to receive the flu vaccine. After vaccination, it takes about two weeks for the body to develop antibodies. Getting vaccinated before flu activity increases gives your immune system time to respond.

That does not mean October is a deadline. If you have not received your flu shot by then, it can still be worthwhile to talk with your doctor. Flu activity can continue throughout the fall and winter, so vaccination later in the season may still provide protection. Your doctor can also help you think through timing based on your health and circumstances.

At Risk for Flu Complications 

The flu can be very different from person to person. For some, it may mean several days of fever, cough and fatigue. For others, particularly those already managing certain health conditions, influenza can lead to more serious complications.

Adults 65 and older, pregnant people and those with conditions such as asthma, COPD, diabetes and heart disease are at higher risk for complications from influenza. This is one reason it is useful to discuss the flu vaccine as part of your regular primary care. Your doctor knows your health history and can help you understand where you may have a higher risk and what steps may be appropriate for you.

Vaccination can also be part of protecting the people around you. If you spend time with an older family member, someone who is pregnant or someone with a chronic condition, reducing your own risk of influenza can help reduce the chance of bringing the virus home.

Why Do I Feel Bad After Getting a Flu Shot?

It is understandable to have questions about how you will feel after getting vaccinated. A sore arm is common, and some people experience fatigue, a low-grade fever or body aches for a short time.

These reactions are generally mild and temporary. They do not mean that you have the flu. The flu vaccine cannot give you influenza. These symptoms can occur as your immune system responds to the vaccine.

If you have had a reaction to a vaccine in the past or have concerns about side effects, let your physician know. Your doctor can talk with you about what to expect and whether vaccination is appropriate for you.

Schedule Your Flu Shot at Holy Cross Health 

An annual physical gives you time to talk about the things that are easy to put off during the rest of the year. That might be a screening you have been meaning to schedule, a change in your health or a question about a vaccine.

Before your next visit, make a list of the things you want to discuss with your primary care physician. If you have questions about the flu vaccine, include those, too. Sometimes a few minutes of conversation can help you make a more informed decision about your health.

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Julie Allen, MD