Flu shots: The best way to avoid a bad case of the flu

You cannot get the flu from a flu shot. The influenza vaccine is made from an inactive virus. But some people can get a mild fever, an almost cold-like syndrome, for about a day or so after getting the shot.

A flu shot is not a surefire thing. Each year, the influenza vaccine is developed according to what's expected for the coming flu season. But there are many more strains than what we vaccinate for.

In general, people who've had a flu shot may get minor cases of the flu. They experience fewer, less severe symptoms and are sick for a shorter time than those who never got a flu shot.

Not necessarily. A different vaccine against the H1N1 virus (swine flu) is being developed.

Meanwhile, everyday actions help prevent the spread of flu-like illnesses:

• Regularly -- and thoroughly -- wash your hands.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough or sneeze.
• Stay home if you're sick.

Nearly anyone older than 6 months could benefit from an annual flu shot. They include:

• pregnant women
• people over the age of 50
• kids and adults who have chronic illnesses like asthma, cancer, heart disease, HIV/AIDS, kidney or lung disease.

Those who live with or care for – and can give the flu to – the persons listed above should also get an annual flu shot. This includes family members, health care workers, day care providers and teachers.

If you're allergic to eggs, have had a bad flu shot reaction or Guillain-Barré syndrome, don't get a flu shot before consulting your doctor.

Often called FluMist®, the live nasal spray flu vaccine can be an option for healthy people, who are 2 to 49 years-old and are not pregnant.

Some doctors or clinics do not use FluMist because of how it might affect unhealthy people nearby. That's why the Centers for Disease Control added the following to its influenza vaccine guidelines:

• Anyone who receives the live flu vaccine should stay away from people with weak immune systems (for example from HIV/AIDS, certain medicines, chemotherapy, radiation) for seven days.
• Health care workers, household members and others in close contact with people with weak immune systems should have a regular flu shot (inactivated vaccine). They may receive the nasal spray version (live vaccine) if they will not be near someone with a weakened immune system for at least seven days.
• People with weakened immune systems should not even give someone else FluMist.

Generally, you should try to have a flu shot shortly before flu season starts in November or December. You can get the shot afterwards, as long as supplies last. But the vaccine can be hard to find in mid to late winter.

Contact your clinic about when you can come in for a flu shot. If you've signed up for MyChart, you can schedule a flu shot appointment online anytime after September 15, 2009.

If you work in health care or public service, you might be able to get a flu shot at work.

For places in Minnesota where you can get flu shots, visit the Department of Health's Web site. The locations listed range from clinics and hospitals to drug stores and community centers.