Flu season guide
Flu season, made simpler
What to expect from a flu shot, how to feel better if you get sick, and how to pay less when you need care. Everything here is written for real life, not a medical textbook.
The flu shot
What to expect when you get vaccinated
The CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older, with rare exceptions. Most people feel fine afterward. If you do notice something, it is usually mild and short.
Common, normal reactions
- Soreness, redness or swelling where the shot went in
- Low-grade fever or chills
- Headache, muscle aches or tiredness
- Mild nausea
Why it happens
These reactions are a sign your immune system is building protection. The injected flu shot cannot give you the flu, because it contains inactivated virus or just viral proteins.
Reactions are usually milder than the flu itself.
6 to 12 hours
Side effects, if any, usually start.
24 to 48 hours
Most reactions are gone. Arm soreness can last a little longer.
About 2 weeks
Protection is fully built. Ideally, get your shot before flu is spreading in your area.
Nasal spray (FluMist) reactions can differ: runny nose, congestion, sore throat or cough. It is approved for ages 2 to 49 and is not right for everyone, so ask your pharmacist.
Before and after
A few habits for a smoother appointment and a comfortable next day
Before
- Wear a short sleeve or a top you can easily roll up.
- Eat something and drink water so you are not light-headed.
- Tell the pharmacist about any allergies or past reactions to a vaccine.
- Skip alcohol the night before. It can disrupt sleep and dehydrate you.
- Hold off on pain relievers unless a healthcare professional advises them. Take them afterward if you need them.
After
- Keep using your arm. Light movement can ease soreness.
- Press a cool, damp cloth or a wrapped ice pack on the spot for 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
- Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen if you have a headache, aches or fever.
- Drink plenty of water and get a good night's sleep.
- Skip heavy lifting and hard upper-body workouts for about 24 hours.
When to call a healthcare professional
- Redness or swelling at the shot site gets worse after 48 hours.
- A high fever does not respond to over-the-counter medicine.
- Side effects last longer than 3 to 4 days.
Call 911 or go to the ER for signs of a severe allergic reaction, which is very rare: widespread rash, swelling of the face, mouth or throat, a rapid heartbeat, dizziness or feeling faint.
Save on your flu shot
Flu shots from $22 with RxGo
Typical retail prices run $55 to $70. Compare prices at CVS, Kroger, Albertsons, Walgreens and more, then show your RxGo coupon at the pharmacy counter.
Prices vary by pharmacy, location and vaccine, and can change. Check current pricing before you go.
Coverage and cost
Check your coverage first, then compare prices
Many people pay nothing for a flu shot, and that is the best price there is. Here is how to figure out which group you are in.
You may pay $0 with insurance
Most health plans and Medicare Part B cover a yearly flu shot at no cost when you get it from an in-network provider or pharmacy. Call your plan or check its website before you go. If it is covered at $0, use your insurance.
A discount can help if…
- You do not have health insurance.
- Your plan does not cover the vaccine you want.
- Your favorite pharmacy is out of network.
- You have a high-deductible plan and would rather not pay full price.
Discount prices are typically used instead of insurance, not on top of it.
Not covered, or not sure? Compare flu shot prices at nearby pharmacies in a minute.
Compare flu shot pricesAges 65 and older
Ask for a stronger shot
Our immune systems respond less strongly as we age, and flu is more likely to cause serious illness. The CDC preferentially recommends three vaccines for adults 65 and older over the standard-dose shot.
Fluzone High-Dose
Contains a higher dose of antigen to prompt a stronger immune response.
Fluad
Made with an added ingredient (an adjuvant) that boosts the immune response.
Flublok
A recombinant vaccine, made without the flu virus itself or eggs.
Not available where you are?
Stock varies by pharmacy. If none of the three is on the shelf, the CDC says any other age-appropriate flu vaccine is better than skipping it. Call ahead and ask which ones are in stock.
Timing matters a little more
For most adults 65 and older, the CDC advises avoiding July and August, because protection can fade over the season. September and October are the sweet spot, with the goal of being done by the end of October.
If you get sick
Simple ways to feel better at home
Fever, aches, a cough and a stuffy nose are part of your body fighting the virus. These everyday comforts can make the days easier. They support your recovery and do not replace the vaccine or medical care.
Drink fluids
Fever and sweating drain you. Water, herbal tea and clear broth help prevent dehydration and thin out mucus.
Rest up
Your body needs energy to fight the infection. Sleep when you can and keep your routine light.
Try warm soup or broth
It replaces fluids and salt, soothes a sore throat and helps thick mucus move.
Want more? See our full list of 10 home care tips, what the research says about supplements, and how to care for a sick child.
Read the home care guideGet medical help promptly if
- You have trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion or severe weakness.
- Symptoms get better, then return with a worse fever or cough.
- A baby under 3 months has a rectal temperature above 100.4°F (38°C).
- You are pregnant, 65 or older, immunocompromised or managing a chronic condition and flu symptoms appear.
Prescribed an antiviral or other medicine? If your doctor prescribes something for the flu, the RxGo app can help you compare prices on that and all your other prescriptions.
Get the RxGo appQuestions
Quick answers
Can the flu shot give me the flu?
No. Injected flu vaccines contain inactivated virus or only viral proteins. Any aches or low fever afterward are your immune system at work and usually fade within a day or two.
When is the best time to get vaccinated?
For most people who need one dose, September and October are good times, ideally done by the end of October. Protection takes about two weeks to build. Some children need two doses at least four weeks apart, so they should start as soon as vaccine is available.
Which flu vaccine should I ask for?
Under 65, the CDC does not prefer one age-appropriate vaccine over another, so get whichever is available. At 65 and older, ask for Fluzone High-Dose, Fluad or Flublok. All U.S. flu vaccines this season protect against three flu viruses.
How does RxGo work at the pharmacy?
Search for the vaccine and your pharmacy on RxGo or in the app, then show the coupon at the counter. The app shows live pricing across programs, so you can pick the best option for you.
Is RxGo insurance?
No. RxGo is a prescription discount program, not insurance. It can lower what you pay for flu shots and prescription medicines when you do not use insurance for the purchase.
Beyond flu season
Save on every prescription, all year
The RxGo app covers discounts on thousands of prescription medicines, with live pricing so you can compare pharmacies before you go. Download it now and keep it ready for the next time you need it.