FLU VACCINE: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE GETTING IT

What Is Flu Vaccine?

The flu vaccine is an annual immunization designed to protect you from the influenza virus—a contagious respiratory illness that spreads easily through coughs, sneezes, and contaminated surfaces.

At Reem Hospital, we offer seasonal flu shots for both adults and children. Vaccination reduces your chances of falling ill, developing complications, or passing the virus on to others—especially those more vulnerable.

H2: What Is Flu?

The flu (short for influenza) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It spreads through droplets from coughing, sneezing, or touching contaminated surfaces—and it can hit quickly.

Influenza virus is a contagious respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It belongs to the Orthomyxoviridae family and primarily spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.

Types of Influenza Viruses:

There are four main types of influenza viruses:

1. Influenza A

• Most common and severe
• Causes seasonal flu epidemics and pandemics
• Infects humans and animals (birds, pigs)
• Subtypes based on hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N) proteins (e.g., H1N1, H3N2)

2. Influenza B

• Only affects humans
• Milder than A but still causes seasonal outbreaks

3. Influenza C

• Causes mild respiratory illness
• Rarely causes epidemics

4. Influenza D

• Affects cattle, not known to infect humans

Flu Symptoms Can Include:

• Sudden high fever
• Chills and body aches
• Dry cough
• Sore throat
• Fatigue
• Runny or blocked nose
• Headache
• Weakness
• Vomiting or diarrhea (more common in children)

Vulnerable Groups: Who Is at Risk for Severe Flu Complications?

While most people recover in a few days, the flu can lead to serious complications like pneumonia, bronchitis, or even hospitalization, especially for vulnerable groups, such as:

• Infants and Young Children (especially under 5 years), who have weaker immune systems, are at higher risk of dehydration, high fever, seizures, and respiratory distress
• Older Adults (65 years and older), as aging weakens immune function. They are more prone to complications like pneumonia, heart attack, and stroke
• Pregnant Women (and postpartum up to 2 weeks), as pregnancy causes changes in immune, heart, and lung function. So, they are at Increased risk of hospitalization, preterm labor, or harm to the fetus
• People with Chronic Health Conditions, such as asthma or other lung diseases, heart diseases, diabetes, kidney or liver disorders, neurological conditions, weakened lungs or immune responses, make fighting the virus harder
• Immunocompromised Individuals: Includes people undergoing chemotherapy, with HIV/AIDS, or on immunosuppressive medications. They have less ability to fight infections, leading to longer illness and a higher risk of complications
• Residents of Long-Term Care Facilitiesoften have multiple health conditions and close contact in shared environments, increasing spread and severity

Why Get the Flu Vaccine?

The flu vaccine trains your immune system to recognize and fight flu viruses. It won’t give you the flu, but it will prepare your body to respond more quickly and effectively if you are exposed.

Getting vaccinated can:

• Reduce your risk of getting the flu by up to 60%
• Decrease the severity of symptoms if you do get sick
• Help protect elderly family members, children, and those with chronic health conditions
• Reduce missed school and workdays

Did You Know? You can be contagious before symptoms appear, and the flu spreads faster in closed environments like offices, classrooms, and public transport.

Who Should Get the Flu Shot?

Recommended For	Why
Adults over 50	Higher risk of flu complications
Children aged 6 months to 5 years	Developing an immune systems need protection
Pregnant women	Reduces risk for both mother and baby
People with chronic conditions	Asthma, diabetes, heart or lung disease
Healthcare/frontline workers	Increased exposure to flu viruses
Caregivers or those living with the elderly	Prevents transmission to high-risk individuals

When Is Flu Season in the UAE?

Timeline	Details
Starts	September
Peaks	October – December
Ends	March
Best time to vaccinate	Between September and early November

Did You Know? Flu viruses change each year, which is why getting vaccinated annually is essential—even if you received a shot the year before.

Flu viruses mutate rapidly. Each year, different strains circulate, and the virus changes slightly through a process called antigenic drift—small mutations in the virus’s surface proteins (hemagglutinin [HA] and neuraminidase [NA]). These proteins are what your immune system recognizes and targets after vaccination.

Even if you were vaccinated the year before, your immune system might not fully recognize the new versions of the virus. That’s why scientists reformulate the flu vaccine annually based on the most recent and predicted strains for the upcoming season.

Why You Should Get Vaccinated

Benefit	How It Helps
Reduces flu risk by up to 60%	Protects you from infection
Decreases the severity if infected	Shortens recovery and lowers risk of complications
Prevents missed work/school days	Keeps you active and productive
Protects your family and community	Especially the elderly, babies, and chronically ill
Limits hospital visits and serious illness	Reduces burden on healthcare systems

How Often Should You Get the Flu Shot?

Group	Frequency
Adults	Once a year
Children (6 months +)	Once a year
Pregnant women	Once per pregnancy (any trimester)
Seniors (50+)	Once a year
People with chronic illness	Once a year

Why Choose Reem Hospital?

• Safe, sterile environment with fast-track access
• Bilingual care teams (Arabic & English)
• Pediatric and adult vaccination services
• On-site support for families, seniors & at-risk patients
• Covered by major insurance providers
• Welcome walk-ins, bookings available

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need the flu vaccine every year?

Yes. The virus mutates annually, so yearly protection is necessary.

Can I get sick from the vaccine?

No. It contains inactivated or weakened virus parts that can’t cause illness.

Is the flu shot safe for children?

Absolutely. We offer pediatric doses tailored for young immune systems.

What if I’ve already had the flu this year?

You can still benefit from the vaccine as other strains may circulate later in the season.

Can I get vaccinated with a mild cold?

Yes, but if you have a fever, it’s best to wait until you’re well.

When is the best month to get the flu shot?

September or October is ideal, as it gives your body time to build immunity before flu season peaks.

How long does the flu shot last?

The flu vaccine provides protection for about 6 months, which is why yearly vaccination is recommended.