How Does the Flu Vaccine Work? Each year, researchers reformulate the flu vaccine to protect against the three or four strains of the flu predicted to be most common during a given flu season. Once you receive your flu shot, which is made up of inactivated versions of the flu virus, it takes your body two weeks to build up antibodies against the flu.
Benefits of the Flu Shot
- Protects against the flu virus
- Reduces risk of flu illnesses
- Lowers chance of hospitalization for the flu
- Helps to prevent serious medical events
Can You Get Sick From the Flu Shot?
No! As mentioned above, the flu shot is made up of inactivated virus, so you cannot get the flu from the flu shot. What can happen, though, is that since it takes two weeks for your body to build up antibodies after you’re vaccinated, you can still get the flu during that time period. Or you may be exposed to a different strain of the flu than those in the flu vaccine.Symptoms of the Flu
- Pain in the muscles
- Dry cough
- Chills
- Dehydration
- Chest pressure
- Nasal congestion
- Headache