Each fall, as the leaves begin to change and the air grows crisp, another seasonal visitor returns: the flu. While it’s easy to brush off as “just another cold,” influenza is a serious illness that can lead to complications, hospitalizations, and even death, especially in vulnerable populations.
The good news? You have a powerful defense right at your fingertips: the annual flu shot.
Lakes Regional Healthcare encourages a closer look at why the flu shot matters, how it’s developed each year, and how it can help you and your community stay healthy this season.
Who Decides What’s in the Flu Vaccine Each Year?
The flu virus is constantly changing. What’s circulating this winter may look very different from last year’s strain, which means the vaccine must change too.
Every year, the World Health Organization (WHO) brings together experts from around the world, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States, to determine which flu strains are likely to be most common in the upcoming season. They gather data from more than 100 national influenza centers across over 100 countries. Scientists track how the virus is evolving, analyze patterns of infection, and study emerging variants to predict which strains will dominate in the months ahead. Based on this information, the WHO issues strain recommendations twice a. In Iowa, flu season typically peaks between December and February but can begin as early as October.
In short, the flu shot you get each year is the result of a global collaboration designed to give your immune system the best possible protection against viruses most likely to circulate where you live.
How the Flu Vaccine Works
The flu vaccine contains inactivated or weakened virus particles. These cannot cause illness but trigger your immune system to recognize and fight the flu virus if you’re exposed later.
After you get the shot, your body starts building antibodies, its own defense system, over the next two weeks. These antibodies protect you by recognizing and attacking the virus before it can make you seriously sick. Think of it like updating your body’s antivirus software each fall: new data, new protection, same quick download.
Can You Still Get the Flu After Getting the Shot?
Yes, it’s possible to get the flu after being vaccinated, but your protection still makes a big difference. According to the CDC, the flu vaccine reduces your risk of getting sick by 40% to 60% when it’s well matched to circulating strains. Even in years when the match isn’t perfect, studies show that vaccinated people who do catch the flu have milder symptoms, recover faster, and are less likely to need hospitalization. Research also shows that vaccinated adults are 59% less likely to be admitted to the ICU because of the flu. Among children, vaccination reduces the risk of flu-related death by 65%.
Also, the vaccine doesn’t just protect you. It helps prevent you from spreading the flu to others, including newborns, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems who may not be able to fight off infections as easily.
How the Flu Can Be Dangerous
Flu symptoms like fever, chills, body aches, and fatigue can make you miserable for days. But in some cases, influenza goes beyond discomfort. For those who are unvaccinated, the flu can progress to more serious complications such as:
- Pneumonia, one of the leading causes of flu-related hospitalizations.
- Sinus or ear infections, particularly in children.
- Inflammation of the heart (myocarditis) or brain (encephalitis).
- Worsening of chronic health conditions, such as asthma, heart failure, or diabetes.
“Each year, flu-related illnesses lead to hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and tens of thousands of deaths in the United States,” said Lakes Regional Healthcare Director of Population and Public Health Katy Carey. “Vaccination remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce those risks.”
Flu Shot Benefits
The benefits of getting vaccinated go beyond physical health. When you avoid getting the flu, you’re also avoiding missed time – days off work, canceled plans, and disruptions to your routine. That’s time that could be spent doing what you love, whether it’s enjoying family outings, staying active, or simply feeling your best during the colder months. Taking a few minutes to get your flu shot is an investment in more healthy days to do what matters most.
Getting a flu shot also protects the community’s health. “Prevention is one of the most powerful tools we have in public health. The flu vaccine helps reduce hospitalizations, protect vulnerable populations, and keep our community healthier through the season,” said Carey. This community-wide protection, known as herd immunity, is especially important for people who cannot be vaccinated, such as infants younger than six months or individuals with certain medical conditions.
Flu Shots Now Available
Flu shots are now available at Dickinson County Public Health, and the team is ready to make it quick and easy. Vaccination is recommended for everyone ages six months and older, and it’s especially important for:
- Adults 65 and older
- Children under 5
- Pregnant women
- People with chronic health conditions like asthma, heart disease, or diabetes
- Healthcare workers and caregivers
Protect yourself, your family, and your community this flu season. Call Dickinson County Public Health at 712-339-6050 or visit your local pharmacy to schedule your flu shot today.
