Question 1

can you tell me if you've already had h1n1 and your immune system has naturally built up resistance to it, do you need a flu shot for it?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Each flu shot is good for one flu season.  H1N1 is covered with the current flu shot. 2014 – 2015 Flu Shots:  Trivalent works against 3 influenza viruses – Influenza A viruses (H3N2 &amp;  H1N1)  &amp; 1 influenza B virus. Quadrivalent  &amp; the live attenuated Influenza vaccine work against these &amp; a second influenza B virus.

Question 2

how can a flu shot be effective if it bypasses your iga immune system? isn't contracting and fighting always better than introducing. never had a flu

Accepted Answer

Bypass IgA?: The flu vaccine induces cellular production of IgA, IgG, &amp; IgM. Moreover, increasing herd immunity through vaccines protects those who are unable to be vaccinated. You can check out this article from the academic journal, Immune for more info. Hope that helps! Vaccine. 2012 Aug 31;30(40):5893-900. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2012.04.109. Epub 2012 Jul 24.

Question 3

long does a flu shot last usually?

Accepted Answer

A year: Good question.  The influenza virus mutates rapidly so each year's vaccine varies as each year's vaccine is based on the most prevalent flu strains from the last flu season.  The actual immunity derived from a given flu shot probably lasts more than one year, but it is important to get a new shot each year, due to the changes.

Question 4

will a flu shot last a full 5 months? i thought about getting it now ( oct) but want to make sure it will last till end of march when flu season ends.

Accepted Answer

Yes: The antibodies generated by seasonal flu vaccine will last for years against the strains in the vaccine.People get confused about protection, because in a given season, the vaccine can only cover 3-4 strains, while there may be a new  strain emerg that is not in the vaccine.Waiting until late in the fall only increases your risk you will be unprotected against an early exposure.

Question 5

do you have to give a four year old two flu shots if they did not receive a flu shot last year?

Accepted Answer

No: The flu vaccine is seasonal, once a year, supposed to cover only the cold months. Each and every year might be slightly different, reflecting anticipated changes or mutations the virus undergoes from season to season.

Question 6

i had a flu shot last thursday and now i'm experiencing heartburn and acid reflux. what could be causing this?

Accepted Answer

Acid: Definitely, not the flu shot :)

Question 7

upper back and collarbone/neck pain - pull a muscle working out/doing yoga? pain from slumping over desk? got a flu shot last week - pain from that?

Accepted Answer

Transient joint pain: A flu shot can provoke transient arthralgia (joint pain) and muscle achiness, especially when combined with working out. Any additive symptoms from the flu shot should subside uneventfully in several days.

Question 8

hi doctor.  about a week ago my tummy was running but nothing serious. i went for a flu shot last week friday to my local doctor.

this week i started with a irritating cough and a little bit of a sore throat. i feel it especially in the mornings.

Accepted Answer

Upper respiratory sx: Cough, sore throat and runny nose are non specific symptoms of upper respiratory disease, they may be due to many causes, allergies to viral infections. Given COVID-19 pandemic, patients with these symptoms should seek testing if available, if not remain quarantined and isolated from the general population. If trouble breathing, chest  pain/pressure, confusion arise call emergency aid

Question 9

how long does the side effects last after receiving a flu shot?

Accepted Answer

3 days: Shoulder discomfort might a little longer.

Question 10

i am experiencing insomnia for over 2 weeks after i had a flu shot. how long does this side effect  last?

Accepted Answer

Not due to flu shot: Flu shot is not likely to be the cause of your insomnia.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

How long does a flu shot last in your system

A member asked:

Can you tell me if you've already had h1n1 and your immune system has naturally built up resistance to it, do you need a flu shot for it?

A member asked:

How can a flu shot be effective if it bypasses your iga immune system? isn't contracting and fighting always better than introducing. never had a flu

A member asked:

Long does a flu shot last usually?

A member asked:

Will a flu shot last a full 5 months? i thought about getting it now ( oct) but want to make sure it will last till end of march when flu season ends.

A member asked:

Do you have to give a four year old two flu shots if they did not receive a flu shot last year?

A member asked:

I had a flu shot last thursday and now i'm experiencing heartburn and acid reflux. what could be causing this?

A member asked:

Upper back and collarbone/neck pain - pull a muscle working out/doing yoga? pain from slumping over desk? got a flu shot last week - pain from that?

A member asked:

Hi doctor. about a week ago my tummy was running but nothing serious. i went for a flu shot last week friday to my local doctor. this week i started with a irritating cough and a little bit of a sore throat. i feel it especially in the mornings.

A member asked:

How long does the side effects last after receiving a flu shot?

A member asked:

I am experiencing insomnia for over 2 weeks after i had a flu shot. how long does this side effect last?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?