Why You Need an Annual Flu Shot

The flu, also called influenza, is a contagious respiratory illness that infects the nose, throat and lungs. Getting an annual flu shot is the best way to prevent the flu. If you do get sick, the flu shot lowers your risk of severe complications and length of illness.

Across the country, hundreds of millions of people have safely received the flu shot for decades.


How Serious is the Flu?

In the U.S., 5% to 20% of people get the flu every year.

The flu can weaken your immune system, making you more vulnerable to other infections. Secondary infections can be life-threatening to those at a higher risk of complications, like:

  • Young children
  • Older adults
  • People with chronic conditions
  • Pregnant women

In an average year, the flu leads to thousands of deaths and hospitalizations nationwide.


Help Stop the Spread of Flu

The most important step you can take to prevent the flu is to get an annual flu vaccine.

It’s also important to cover coughs and sneezes, frequently wash your hands and stay home if you start feeling sick.


Get the Flu Vaccine at a Clinic Near You

Schedule a flu vaccine visit on My Sanford Chart or by calling a Sanford Health location near you. We also host seasonal vaccination events in the fall.

Find a Location

My Sanford Chart 

If you don’t have My Sanford Chart and would like to make an appointment online, schedule your appointment here.


Common Flu Symptoms

Flu symptoms last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. The most common symptoms include:

  • Chills
  • Cough
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Sore throat
  • Vomiting or diarrhea (more common in children)

It’s possible to spread the flu before feeling sick. You are most contagious the first three days of showing flu symptoms.


How to Treat Flu Symptoms

Antiviral medications can be prescribed to treat flu symptoms. These medications can help lessen symptoms and shorten the time you are sick. They work best when started within one to two days after symptoms begin.

Flu antiviral medications are recommended for those who:

  • Have severe illness.
  • Are hospitalized with the flu.
  • Are at an increased risk of complications based on their age or existing health conditions.

Some antiviral medications are safe for children and pregnant women. Antiviral medications may cause side effects. The most common side effects are nausea and vomiting.

Real Stories

Losing daughter turns mom into flu shot crusader

Angie Wehrkamp shares 2-year-old Gianna’s story in hopes of helping other families.


Read Angie's Story

Flu FAQs

How effective are flu vaccines?

Flu vaccines prevent millions of flu illnesses and doctor visits every year. They reduce the risk of illness by around 40% to 60% when the vaccines are well matched to the circulating viruses.

Although the vaccine isn’t 100% effective, it does lower the chances of having severe complications and the length of illness. Flu vaccines have also been shown to reduce the risk of hospitalization and death for those who are at a higher risk for complications.

Read more answers to questions about flu shots from an infectious disease specialist.

How should I prepare for my flu vaccine?

Flu shots are given in the upper arm muscle for young children and adults. To prepare for your flu vaccine, wear a shirt with a sleeve that can be easily rolled up.

Infants and toddlers receive their flu shot in the upper thigh muscle. Consider dressing infants and toddlers in an outfit where the thigh is easily accessible.

What are the side effects of the flu vaccine?

Some people may have side effects from the flu vaccine, although many people have no side effects at all. Side effects are usually mild and go away on their own in a few days.

The most common side effects are muscle aches, low-grade fever, mild flu-like symptoms and soreness in the area where someone received the vaccine.

How much does a flu vaccine cost?

Flu vaccines are typically covered by insurance, so they are usually offered at no cost.

You can also search for assistance at sanfordhelps.com.

When is flu season?

In the U.S., flu season usually runs from October to May and peaks between December and February.

How does the flu spread?

The flu is caused by viruses that easily spread from person to person through droplets when someone with the flu coughs, sneezes or talks. These viruses can also spread if a person touches a surface that has the virus on it and then touches their mouth, nose or eyes.

Is influenza the same as the stomach flu?

No, influenza and the stomach flu are not the same. The flu is caused by a virus that infects the nose, throat and lungs and causes fever, chills, cough and fatigue.

Stomach flu, also known as gastroenteritis, is an intestinal infection that causes diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and low-grade fever. Learn more about gastroenterology care at Sanford Health.

What is the difference between the flu and COVID-19?

The flu and COVID-19 are caused by different viruses, although they are both contagious respiratory illnesses. COVID-19 is caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the flu is caused by infection with an influenza virus. Learn more about COVID-19.

What flu vaccine does Sanford Health offer?

Sanford Health provides age-appropriate flu vaccines. Some higher risk groups, like older adults and those who have had an organ transplant, may receive high-dose influenza vaccines.

Sanford Health does not administer Flumist, a needle-free alternative. This is an option for healthy individuals ages 2 to 49. It’s not recommended for people with weakened immune systems, chronic diseases or allergies, or for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

If you’re interested in Flumist, you can work with your insurance company to discuss coverage and availability.