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Published on: 12/1/2025
Do you still need flu medicine if you've had the flu shot?
Even if you get the flu shot, you might still need flu medicine if you catch the flu, as the shot doesn't always prevent it completely.
Wondering why flu shot needs medicine?
Explanation
Getting a flu shot is a great way to help protect yourself from getting the flu, but it doesn't guarantee you won't get sick. Sometimes, people who have had the flu shot can still catch the flu. This is because the flu virus can change, and the vaccine might not match perfectly with the virus going around.
Why You Might Need Medicine:
If You Get Sick: If you do catch the flu even after getting the shot, doctors might give you flu medicine. This can help you feel better faster and make the flu not as bad.
Protection for Others: Taking flu medicine can also help stop the spread of the flu to other people, especially those who might get really sick from it.
Remember: The flu shot is still very important. It helps protect you and others by making it less likely you'll get sick, and if you do, the illness is often milder. But if you do get the flu, medicine can be an extra help to get you back on your feet.
(References)
- Drinka PJ. (2003). Influenza vaccination and antiviral therapy: is there a role .... Drugs & aging, 12578397.
- Committee on Infectious Diseases. (2024). Recommendations for Prevention and Control of Influenza .... Pediatrics, 39183669.
- Grohskopf LA, Alyanak E, Broder KR, Blanton LH, Fry AM, Jernigan DB, & Atmar RL. (2020). Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza with .... MMWR. Recommendations and reports : Morbidity and mortality weekly report. Recommendations and reports, 32820746.
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