As flu season approaches each year, health experts continue to emphasize the importance of getting the annual influenza vaccine. The 2017–2018 flu season in Delaware alone saw more than 9,000 confirmed cases, highlighting just how pervasive—and potentially dangerous—the flu virus can be. Even before the official start of the following season, new cases had already been confirmed, showing how unpredictable flu activity can be. In light of this, Dr. Parvathi Somasundaram, Medical Director of Bayhealth Occupational Health, urges everyone over the age of six months to get vaccinated.
From personal protection to community-wide immunity, the flu vaccine is a vital preventive tool. Whether you’re a healthy adult, a caregiver, or someone with a chronic condition, the flu shot can reduce your risk of illness, hospitalization, and complications—and even save lives.
Why the Annual Flu Shot Is So Important
Reducing the Burden of Flu in Communities
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) consistently reports that annual flu vaccination significantly lowers the incidence of flu-related doctor visits, hospitalizations, and missed work or school days. According to Dr. Somasundaram, it’s also one of the most effective tools we have to reduce the spread of influenza within communities.
Protecting More Than Just Yourself
Getting the flu vaccine is not just a personal health choice—it’s a community act. This concept is known as herd immunity, where vaccinated individuals help protect vulnerable populations who cannot get vaccinated themselves, such as:
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Infants under 6 months old
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People with severe allergies to vaccine ingredients
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Those with compromised immune systems
“The more people who receive the vaccine, the less likely we’ll see it spread throughout the community,” Dr. Somasundaram explains. “You’re playing your part in protecting others—it’s like paying it forward.”
How the Flu Spreads
Influenza viruses spread mainly through droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of nearby people, or be inhaled into the lungs. The flu can also spread via contaminated surfaces, especially when people touch their mouth, nose, or eyes after contact.
Even individuals who feel only mildly ill can be contagious. That’s why annual vaccination is a proactive strategy to reduce silent transmission and protect others before symptoms arise.
How the Flu Vaccine Works
Each year, the flu vaccine is updated based on research and predictions about which strains will be most active. Although no vaccine can guarantee 100% immunity, it is still the most reliable defense against flu complications.
“Each year the vaccination is modified in an effort to target the flu strains that are expected to circulate,” Dr. Somasundaram says. This means that getting vaccinated annually is essential, as immunity from past vaccinations fades over time and may not protect against new strains.
Recognizing Flu Symptoms and When to Seek Care
Common flu symptoms include:
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Fever or chills
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Muscle or body aches
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Fatigue
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Headache
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Sore throat
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Runny or stuffy nose
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Cough
Most healthy individuals can recover at home with rest and fluids. However, some cases require medical attention, particularly in:
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Seniors
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Infants
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Pregnant women
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Individuals with asthma, heart disease, or diabetes
Your doctor may prescribe antiviral medications such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) to shorten the duration and severity of illness, especially if started early.
Additional Flu Prevention Tips
Aside from vaccination, Dr. Somasundaram and the CDC recommend the following habits to reduce flu spread:
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Avoid contact with sick individuals
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Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing
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Wash hands frequently with soap and water
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Use hand sanitizer when soap isn’t available
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Avoid touching your face, especially eyes, nose, and mouth
These everyday precautions, combined with annual vaccination, offer the strongest defense against the seasonal flu.
Commitment to Flu Prevention
Bayhealth takes flu prevention seriously, offering free flu shots to all employees, medical staff, and volunteers as part of their Annual Influenza Campaign. This initiative ensures that healthcare workers are not only protected themselves but are also minimizing the risk of spreading the flu to patients, visitors, and coworkers.
Staff members who choose not to receive the flu vaccine are required to wear face masks in patient-care areas until the end of flu season, typically in April or May. “This policy reflects our dedication to keeping our patients and staff safe,” Dr. Somasundaram says.
Who Should Get the Flu Vaccine?
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Everyone aged 6 months and older
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Seniors aged 65+, who may need a high-dose vaccine
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Pregnant women
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People with chronic conditions such as asthma or diabetes
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Healthcare workers
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Caregivers for high-risk individuals
Only those with severe allergies to vaccine components should skip the vaccine—but they should consult their doctor for guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: Why do I need a flu shot every year?
A: The flu virus evolves, and last year’s vaccine may not protect against this year’s strains. Annual shots provide updated protection.
Q2: Is the flu shot safe?
A: Yes. The flu vaccine is thoroughly tested each year. Most people experience no side effects beyond mild soreness at the injection site.
Q3: Can the flu shot give me the flu?
A: No. The flu shot uses inactivated virus, which can’t cause infection. Some people may feel mild symptoms that are signs of immune activation, not illness.
Q4: When is the best time to get the flu shot?
A: Ideally by the end of October, but it’s still beneficial even if received later during the flu season, which can last through spring.
Q5: What should I do if I get the flu despite being vaccinated?
A: Rest, stay hydrated, and consult your doctor. The vaccine reduces severity, so symptoms are usually milder and recovery is faster.
