Influenza (Seasonal Flu) - Prevention

Before getting a flu vaccine, talk to your doctor if:

• You ever had a serious allergic reaction to eggs or to a previous dose of influenza vaccine.
• You have had Guillain-Barré syndrome.
• Your child has ever had a seizure.

Because the nasal spray vaccine is more expensive than a flu shot, it may not be covered by your health insurance plan. Check with your insurance company.

For help deciding if the flu vaccine is right for you, see:

Flu Vaccines: Should I Get a Flu Vaccine?

Other ways to reduce your risk of getting the flu or developing complications

Increase your chance of staying healthy by:

• Washing your hands often, especially during winter months when the flu is most common.
• Keeping your hands away from your nose, eyes, and mouth. Viruses are most likely to enter your body through these areas.
• Eating a healthy and balanced diet.
• Getting regular exercise.
• Not smoking. Smoking irritates the lining of your nose, sinuses, and lungs, which may make you susceptible to complications of the flu.
• Taking probiotics. One study has shown that taking probiotics helps prevent influenza symptoms and reduce antibiotic use in children.⁵

Using antiviral medicines to prevent the flu

Two antiviral medicines (zanamivir and oseltamivir) can help prevent the flu caused by influenza A and B viruses. These medicines may also reduce the length of the illness if they are given no more than 48 hours after the first symptoms. During a flu outbreak, these medicines may be given at the same time as a flu vaccine and for 2 weeks after while your body produces antibodies to protect you from the virus. These medicines are taken by mouth (pill) or inhaled into the lungs (inhaler).

The antiviral medicines amantadine and rimantadine have been used to prevent flu caused by influenza A. But for the past few years the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised doctors not to use these medicines to treat or prevent the flu.⁶ These medicines have not worked against most types of the flu virus. Amantadine and rimantadine do not protect against influenza B. Be sure to talk with your doctor about the medicine that is best for you.

For more information, see:

Flu: Should I Take Antiviral Medicine?