Flu Shots: What You Need to Know and Where to Get One!

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine each year. On today's show, Anderson got his second-ever flu shot!

The following information is provided by the CDC:

What is influenza (also called flu)?
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.

Signs and symptoms of flu
People who have the flu often feel some or all of these signs and symptoms:

* Fever or feeling feverish/chills*
* Cough
* Sore throat
* Runny or stuffy nose
* Muscle or body aches
* Headaches
* Fatigue (very tired)
* Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

*It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.

How flu spreads
Most experts believe that flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Less often, a person might also get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, eyes or possibly their nose.

Period of contagiousness
You may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick. Some people, especially young children and people with weakened immune systems, might be able to infect others for an even longer time.

Keep reading more Key Facts of the Flu at CDC.gov »

Get Your Flu Prevention Toolkit »

What You Should Know About Flu Antiviral Drugs »

To find a flu clinic location open to the public, go to FluShot.HealthMap.org.