As summer begins to give way to fall, the temperatures slowly drop, the days start to get a bit shorter, football is back – and flu season is almost here again.
September is the perfect time for you and the entire family to get your flu shots. They are safe, effective and could help prevent a serious illness this winter.
“Getting your annual flu vaccine is one of the easiest and most important things you can do to stay healthy,” says Dr. Christy Baze, a family medicine physician in Hurst. “The doctors of Privia Medical Group North Texas encourage all our patients to get the flu shot every September. You’ll be glad you did!”
Take a look at our 2026 Flu FAQs to get all the details on the flu and the flu vaccine.
2026 Flu FAQs
Q: What is the flu?
A: Flu (influenza) is a contagious virus that can make you very sick.
Q: When is flu season?
A: Flu season is from October – May and usually peaks December through February.
Q: If flu season doesn’t even start until October, why do I need to get the flu vaccine in September?
A: It takes a few weeks for the vaccine to be fully effective after you receive it. By getting it in September, you’ll be fully protected by October.
Q: Is the flu common?
A: Yes. Each year, tens of millions of Americans get sick with the flu.
Q: Is the flu serious if I get it?
A: It can be. Each year, hundreds of thousands of people are hospitalized with the flu. Sadly, at least 23,000 people died from the flu last year. In 2024-25, more than 40,000 people lost their lives.
Q: Who should get the flu shot?
A: Nearly everyone. Everyone six months and older should get the flu shot each year. In very rare cases, a doctor may advise against certain vaccines for patients with specific underlying health conditions.
Q: Are some people more at risk for the flu than others?
Yes. Some people are at greater risk of catching the flu and/or having severe complications from it. They include:
- Children younger than 5 years
- Adults age 65 and older
- Women who are pregnant
- People who live in nursing homes or long-term care facilities
- Health care workers
However, anyone can get the flu, so everyone should get the flu vaccine.
Q: Are there any special considerations for senior citizens?
A: Yes, it is very important for seniors to get the flu vaccine, as the flu can be especially dangerous for older adults. There are higher-dose flu vaccines available designed especially for seniors.
Q: Does the flu shot really work?
A: Yes. The flu vaccine significantly lowers your chance of getting the flu. It’s not a 100% guarantee, but it significantly reduces risk.
Q: Wait – you mean if I get the shot, I can still get the flu?
A: This happens sometimes, but people who receive a vaccination and do get the flu experience less severe symptoms and a shorter illness duration compared to people who do not receive the vaccine.
Q: Can the flu shot give me the flu?
A: No! This is an urban legend. The flu vaccine does not contain the flu virus, so it’s impossible for it to give you the flu. You may feel a little run down for a day or so after getting the flu shot – that’s your immune system getting revved up from the vaccine; in other words, the shot is working!
Q: Is the flu vaccine the same every year?
A: No – the flu vaccine is updated each year to protect against the flu virus strains scientists believe will be most common. For example, the 2026-2027 vaccine has been updated to protect against a strain that was in wide circulation last year – influenza A(H3N2) subclade K.
Q: Where do I go to get a flu shot?
A: You can get your flu shot at your local pharmacy. Your physician’s office may have them available, as well.
Q: How much will it cost to get the shot?
A: Good news – most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover the full cost of flu vaccines. Note that a flu shot from an out-of-network provider may have a cost. For people without insurance, there are often free flu shot outreach events sponsored by the local health department. The cash price of a standard flu vaccine can range between $20-$75, depending on the provider. Higher-dose vaccines for seniors can cost more.
Q: I hate needles; is there another option?
A: Yes, there is a nasal spray version of the vaccine. This is not an option for everyone; for example, pregnant women must get the shot.
Q: I am allergic to eggs – does that mean I can’t get a flu shot?
A: You can still get a flu shot, even if you have an egg allergy. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says there is no issue for people with egg allergies. There are also versions of the flu vaccine available that are not egg-based.
Q: What are the symptoms of the flu?
A: The most common symptoms are high fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher), body aches and chills, headache, fatigue, nasal congestion and sore throat.
Q: How long does the flu last?
A: People who have the flu will feel sick for a week, sometimes longer.
Q: What should I do if I think I have the flu?
A: You should see your doctor right away if you think you may have the flu. Your doctor can test you for the flu. If you have it, your doctor can prescribe antiviral medication that may help you recover more quickly. These medications can help lessen and shorten the symptoms, but they generally work best within 48 hours of the onset of the flu.
NOTE: If you experience severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, chest or abdominal pain, dizziness, confusion, severe vomiting, you should call 911 immediately. Similarly, children experiencing these symptoms plus blue lips, not drinking fluids and not waking up are all indications of a medical emergency.
Q: If I come down with the flu, is it too late to get the shot?
A: The flu vaccine is not a treatment, so getting the shot after you have the flu will not cure you. However, once you are feeling better and are symptom-free, you can still get a shot, and it will help protect you from other flu strains in circulation.
Q: What else should I do if I get the flu?
A: Get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids. You also need to stay home – flu is highly contagious.
Q: How does the flu spread?
A: The flu spreads through respiratory droplets – if you’re near someone who coughs, sneezes or even breathes too close to you, you can catch the flu. The flu virus can also live on surfaces, so wash your hands frequently with soap and water, use hand sanitizer when you can’t wash your hands and avoid touching your face and rubbing your eyes.
Q: Should I get a COVID-19 shot as well?
A: Yes, it is a good idea to get a COVID shot when you get your flu vaccine. Like the flu shot, it reduces risk of getting sick and can shorten the severity and duration of the illness if you do get COVID.
Q: What about the RSV vaccine?
A: RSV causes symptoms similar to a common cold. Sometimes, it can lead to more serious respiratory illnesses, including pneumonia.
Some pregnant women should get this vaccine: an RSV vaccine is recommended between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy if the baby is due between the start of September and the end of January.
An RSV vaccine is also recommended for all adults age 75 and older, and for adults 50 and over who have certain underlying health conditions that increase their risk for complications from RSV. This is a one-time shot; you don’t have to get one every year. It can also be administered at the same time as the flu and COVID shots.
This article has been reviewed and approved by a panel of Privia Medical Group North Texas physicians.
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