It’s not too late

“We usually recommend it before the onset of peak flu activity, so the best time to get it is when you start seeing the Halloween candy,” said Dr. Paul Sax, clinical director of the Division of Infectious Diseases at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and a professor at Harvard Medical School. “But it’s not too late.”
It takes a few weeks for the full benefits of the flu vaccine to build up, Sax said, which is why health care providers recommend getting the vaccine earlier in the season. But, because flu season can last through March or April, there’s still “plenty of winter to go,” he said.
While the shot cannot eliminate the risk of infection, it does lower the risk of serious illness and hospitalization, public health officials said.
“Having some protection is much better than having none,” said Richard Malley, senior physician in pediatrics, division of infectious diseases at Boston Children’s Hospital and a professor at Harvard Medical School.
The Massachusetts Department of Health suggests people use the website vaccinefinder.org to find places to get a flu shot.
You can also contact your local health department, or visit a doctor’s office, pharmacy, or health center in your neighborhood. CVS and Walgreens offer free flu shots with most insurance.
The city of Boston also announced Tuesday it was opening six additional vaccination clinics starting with one from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday at City Hall. No appointments are needed.
It’s important to remember all the healthy practices learned during the pandemic, local doctors said. Wash your hands with soap and water. Cough into your elbow. Carry hand sanitizer. Avoid crowded settings with poor ventilation. Wear a mask on public transportation or if you’re at high risk. Minimize your chances of getting sick before traveling. And stay home from work or school if you feel ill.
(These practices will also help prevent other viral diseases circulating this time of year, doctors noted.)
If you start to feel under the weather, avoid seeing anybody you don’t have to.
The flu can be contagious one day before symptoms appear, Malley said, so it’s important to pay attention to early signs and try to stay home.
Even while at home, someone who doesn’t feel well should aim to avoid others, Malley said. “One of the easiest places for this virus, for flu, to spread is within the home.”
Typical flu symptoms include cough, headache, sore throat, fever, muscle aches, and fatigue. Watch for persistent fever, shortness of breath, confusion, or dehydration — those symptoms may be an indicator of more serious illness.
Over-the-counter flu tests are available at many pharmacies, some of which also test for COVID-19.
Local physicians also urged people not to hesitate to contact their primary care physician. Certain medications, such as Tamiflu or Xofluza, can reduce the severity of disease if taken early enough, Malley said. But opt for virtual visits unless you have serious concerns.
Otherwise, be sure to rest and hydrate and take pain medications or fever reducers as needed.
Avoid exposure to family members with the flu as much as possible. A sick child may be able to isolate from younger siblings to prevent spread of disease.
For parents taking care of children with the flu, Dr. Vandana Madhavan, clinical director of infectious disease at Mass General Brigham for Children, recommended stocking up on necessary supplies: liquid pain relievers, popsicles, Pedialyte. Honey is safe to give to children older than one and may be more effective than over the counter cough and cold medications, she said. Teach proper handwashing and sanitize surfaces that sick kids may have touched.
Stay home until symptoms abate, local physicians said. Avoid work and school until fever and coughing stops.
“Most people will be able to spread this virus maybe one day before they know they have symptoms … and up to five to seven days after they get sick,” Malley said.
The peak of contagiousness is around three days after getting sick, he said. But the timing can be variable, so it’s important to pay attention to symptoms.