What everyone should know about the flu and flu shots
As the weather cools down, flu season starts to heat up—and with it comes a mix of sniffles, questions, and myths.
The flu (influenza) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus that affects the nose, throat, and lungs. For most people, the flu means about a week of feeling under the weather with symptoms like fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue. But for some—especially pregnant women, infants, young children, and older adults—the flu can cause serious complications.
At Ovia Health by Labcorp, we know that accurate, evidence-based guidance is one of the best ways to protect families. Let’s clear up the most common misconceptions and help you prepare for a healthy flu season.
Flu myths vs. facts
| Flu shots can give you the flu. | Flu shots contain inactivated (dormant) virus—so you can’t get the flu from a shot. |
| Only older adults need the flu shot. | Everyone 6 months and older should get vaccinated, especially pregnant women and children. |
| Natural immunity is enough. | Vaccines safely strengthen your immune protection and reduce the risk of severe illness. |
| Flu shots aren’t very effective. | While no vaccine prevents every case, flu shots reduce illness risk by 40–60% and make symptoms milder if you do get sick. |
| Vaccines cause autism. | Valid, large-scale studies show no link between vaccines and autism. |
| Flu shots contain toxic mercury. | Most flu shots today are mercury-free. Some may have a tiny amount of ethylmercury, a form that’s safely cleared from the body. |
Why flu shots matter
Flu shots don’t just protect you—they protect everyone around you. Vaccination helps:
- Prevent flu-related illness and hospitalization
- Protect vulnerable family members, including infants and pregnant women
- Reduce missed work or school days
💡 Fact: Flu vaccines reduce the risk of illness by 40–60% in the general population.
The power of community protection
When enough people in a community are vaccinated, it helps protect those who can’t be—like newborns or individuals with certain health conditions.
This concept, called herd immunity, means your decision to get vaccinated supports a healthier community overall.Because flu strains change every year, it’s important to get vaccinated annually—each year’s shot is updated to target the most common strains expected for that season.
Who should get a flu shot?
Everyone 6 months and older should get vaccinated—but these groups benefit the most:
- Children (6 months to 5 years old), including preterm infants
- Children of any age with chronic medical conditions
- Parents, caregivers, and household members of young or high-risk children
- Pregnant or postpartum women, or those planning pregnancy
💛 Infants under 6 months can’t get their own flu shot, so protecting those around them is especially important.
Flu shots for kids
- Recommended for children 6 months and older
- Babies and young children getting the flu shot for the first time usually need two doses
- Side effects are generally mild: a bit of soreness, low fever, or fussiness
🍼 Tip: Timely vaccination each flu season helps keep your little one safe, especially during peak months.
Flu shots during pregnancy
Getting vaccinated during pregnancy is safe at any stage and protects both parent and baby. Pregnancy can make the flu more severe, so vaccination helps lower the risk of complications for both.
- Type: Inactivated (dormant) virus injection, not the live nasal spray
- Common side effects: mild soreness, low-grade fever, or fatigue
- Bonus: Babies born to vaccinated mothers have early protection before their first flu shot
Coverage and where to get vaccinated
Flu shots are covered under most health plans as preventive care—so there’s no reason to skip it!
You can get vaccinated at:
- Local pharmacies
- Pediatric or family clinics
- Your primary care provider
- Some schools and community centers offering free flu clinics
Trusted resources
Stay protected, stay informed
A flu shot is a small step that can make a big difference—for your health, your baby’s health, and your community’s well-being.Ovia Health by Labcorp helps families stay informed and proactive about preventive care. Stay protected, stay connected, and make this flu season your healthiest yet.