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Flu season is starting in Oklahoma. How long do flu shots last?
The Oklahoman • • health
Key Points:
- Flu cases typically spike between December and February, though current infection reports in Oklahoma remain modest as October begins.
- The flu shot is the best method to protect against common seasonal flu strains, reducing symptom severity and lowering risks of ICU admission by 26% and death by 31%, even if infection occurs.
- Flu vaccine protection lasts about five to six months and takes two weeks to become effective; the CDC recommends getting vaccinated by the end of October for optimal coverage.
- Annual vaccination is necessary because the flu shot's effectiveness wanes over time and the vaccine is reformulated yearly to target predominant flu strains.
- Common flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, fatigue, and sometimes vomiting or diarrhea in children; the vaccine does not cause the flu, contrary to a common myth.
