HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients
Book a video visit
HealthTap
Telehealth
A member asked:

How come it difficult to prevent humans catching the flu using vaccinations?

A doctor has provided 1 answer
Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Well, there are: Are different types of influenza ; the viruses can mutate. The vaccination you receive may or may not be a match to the influenza virus that you are exposed to.

Dr Pappas and another doctor agreed

Answered 1/4/2014

4.6k views

Thank

Related Questions

A member asked:

Can taking extra steps for self-care (like staying hydrated, getting more sleep) every day help prevent you from catching the coronavirus or the flu?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

Should I wear a surgical mask or latex gloves at the airport to prevent catching swine flu?

3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

A member asked:

Can taking extra vitamin C every day help prevent you from catching the coronavirus or the flu? If so, how much vitamin C is recommended?

4 doctors weighed in across 4 answers

A member asked:

How to prevent catching flu from a visitor who never learn to put hand on mouth while coughing... Will hand gel help me?

3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

A member asked:

What's the risk of getting sick (with covid/flu) by going to the Dr's office to get vaccinated? I have an appointment later today but I'm terrified of catching something. Should I call beforehand and ask?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

Sponsored Content
HealthTap Medical Group does not endorse products or services. Sponsored content revenues support our mission to make health information free and accessible to all.Learn more

People also searched for:

Can swine flu be prevented by taking swine flu vaccination?
Is it advisable for my fiance and I to get influenza vaccinations for this flu season? Is it better to get the vaccination to prevent flu and covid 19 infection at the same time, or does flu vaccination make immunity lower thus higher risk?
What can I do to prevent my baby from catching the flu from me?
What precaution should I take to prevent my toddler from catching the swine flu?
Are there steps and precautions i can take to prevent the risk of catching the swine flu?

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
Ask your question
Didn't find what you're looking for?

90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.

Ask your question

More of what we treat

Allergies
Antibiotics
Asthma
High Blood Pressure
Prescriptions
Type 2 Diabetes
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.
HealthTap
HIPAA logo
HIPAASecure
Soc 2 Type 2 logo
SOC 2 Type 2Certified
JCAHO Accredited
JCAHOAccredited
Member App

Download HealthTap

Video visit and message your doctor

Member App QR Code
Play Store Member LinkApp Store Member Link

Questions?

+1 (888) 828-0841support@healthtap.com
LinkedInTwitter
HomeTermsPrivacyCookiesDMCAHealth TopicsDoctors DirectoryDoctor Q&A by Specialty
Copyright 2026 HealthTap, Inc.