The North American vaccine is developed each year to work against three strains of influenza virus, based on trends seen in the Southern Hemisphere. The best time for vaccination is early October to mid-November.
Anyone who is in contact with high-risk populations (including health care workers) should also receive the vaccine.
The most effective way to decrease complications and reduce the impact of the flu is to get a preventative vaccine shot!
People who are not part of the high-risk groups but just want to avoid the flu can also get vaccinated. If you are currently sick with a low-grade fever, experts suggest that you should wait until you are better before you get the vaccine. If you do not have a fever, you do not have to wait.
Certain medications (e.g., zanamivir, oseltamivir) are also used in some cases to prevent the flu.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist to determine whether you need a preventative medication, and which one is the right one for you.