Flu season 2021: Should you get a flu shot when you are sick? Or should you wait?

There has been a massive uptick in the overall number of flu cases reported globally, with a number of factors contributing to the severity recorded in some cases. Now, while getting a flu shot has been a typically suggested measure for years now, experts suggest that getting the flu vaccine shot right now, with the COVID-19 vaccine is quite crucial and can offer considerable benefits, and something not to be skipped out on.

Also read: How to manage flu symptoms, if you have diabetes

With the rise in cases, there's also been a major demand in the need of upgraded, efficient flu vaccines and many are rushing to get the shot in these weeks, considered to be the best time to get the shots. But what happens if you fall sick, or experience flu-like symptoms at the scheduled time? Would it still be beneficial?

The current flu season, accompanied by the active threat of the pandemic has been considered to be exceptionally severe. While last year's flu season was relatively milder (thanks to heightened measures), getting a flu shot this year is very important simply because it would not only offer ample protection against flu, but also prevent chances of coinfection, or health worsening, especially if you have battled COVID-19 before and feel weaker, which could expose you to risk of many infections.

Also read: Why getting the flu vaccine is different this year

While most health panels recommend all healthy individuals to get timely flu vaccines, which are upgraded each year, the flu shot benefits certain risk groups the most, including senior citizens, pregnant women, kids and immunocompromised individuals the most. Since such preconditions can be detrimental to healthy living, getting a flu shot will help offer maximum protection and bring down odds of severity and mortality.

Flu vaccine shots are recommended to be administered every year so that individuals have maximum protection against influenza. Now, during the change of seasons, not only do we face dangers of the flu, but also a lot of other routine viruses (allergies, cold etc.) and respiratory infections which can put you under the weather, and hence, relatively easy to fall sick, or experience mild symptoms, which can make one want to put off vaccination fearing ill-effects.

While it can be a common presumption that falling sick helps build natural immunity through exposure, it should be remembered that getting a vaccine is still a helpful choice. Remember that there's no assurance that getting the flu once, much like COVID can protect you forever. You can still fall sick, and getting a vaccine at the right time could dole up efficient immune response, and prevent complications.

Flu vaccination demand surges the most during the current times, i.e. late October- early November. As most experts say, it's absolutely safe to get a vaccine, even when you are reeling under the illness, as long as you take necessary precautions and do not feel sick enough to not go out.

Going by general advice, if what you have are upper respiratory symptoms, or have what would be a 'mild' infection, getting a vaccine would be absolutely safe, as long as you disinfect hands, use masks properly. However, if you do have a fever that's high, or feel symptoms worsening, it may be advisable to reschedule vaccination. Even if you do feel that your bout of flu is severe enough to make you avoid routine tasks, consider rescheduling if possible.

What however, remains important is that you follow proper hygiene protocols and preventive tips, to safeguard others from possible risks.

It's also commonly believed that getting the vaccine when one is sick may render a vaccine shot ineffective, or make one feel sicker, because of the additional side-effects. However, that's never always the case. While some side-effects may make you feel a bit sicker, do keep in mind that the immune system is already busy fighting off the virus, and administering a vaccine shot helps the body prepare a better immune response, relatively helping with faster recovery.

Apart from the fact that an individual may need to be better prepared to deal with the side-effects of the vaccine, there are no other risk factors which may cause worry, or affect the vaccine's efficacy.

The flu vaccine, like other vaccines, takes anywhere between 14-20 days to dole up an effective and efficient antibodies, while the reaction time is shorter, i.e 24-48 hours. Hence, getting a shot when you are sick or down with a seasonal infection won't actually affect the vaccine response.

Do ensure that you get the vaccine shot at the best time, and choose a version of the vaccine which is most adaptable.