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Flu Shot (Influenza Vaccine) Directory
You can get the influenza vaccine once a year to protect yourself from catching the flu, a viral respiratory illness that spreads very easily. The flu can lead to serious health complications and possibly death. When it comes to the flu vaccine, the question shouldn't be if you should get it, but rather what type you should get: shot or nasal spray. The spray form is becoming more common, and anyone between the ages of 2 and 49 who's generally healthy and not pregnant can get it. The CDC recommends the spray for healthy children between 2 and 8 years old. Follow the links below to find WebMD's comprehensive coverage about how flu vaccines work, who should get vaccinated, the history of the vaccine, and much more.
Medical Reference
Facts About Chronic Conditions and the Flu
Find out why the flu can be especially dangerous for people with chronic health conditions like asthma, heart disease, and diabetes.
The Flu Vaccine: Get the Facts
You’ve heard that you need a flu shot. But which one is best? What are the side effects? Get the facts.
What is FluMist?
Answers to your questions about FluMist, a nasal spray flu vaccine that may help you prevent the flu this year.
What Causes the Flu?
WebMD explains the flu virus, including types, why it's more prevalent in the winter, and what to do to avoid catching it.
Features
Flu Shots and Flu Vaccines: It's Not Too Late
Everyone around you sniffling and sneezing? Take heart, there's still time for flu prevention!
Flu Shot Failure? Questions & Answers
Here's vital information about the flu, from symptoms to information of vaccinations for children and adults.
Is the H1N1 Swine Flu Vaccine Safe?
H1N1 swine flu vaccine is here -- but is it safe? WebMD gives frank answers to questions about what we know, and don't know, about the pandemic flu vaccine.
Flu Breakthrough: The Search for a Universal Vaccine
Tired of having to get a different flu shot every year -- and sometimes even having to get two? Someday we may have one shot that protects us against all the strains.
Video
The Truth About Flu Shots
Should everyone get a flu shot? Can the vaccine cause the flu? We separate the truth from fiction.
Do Children Need the Flu Shot?
Why should I give my child a flu shot?
Should Pregnant Women Get the Flu Shot?
Should a pregnant woman get a flu shot?
What You Need to Know About The Flu Season
The CDC answers common questions about this year’s flu season.
Slideshows & Images
Quizzes
Do You Fall For Old Flu Myths?
Do you believe a flu shot can cause the flu? That you throw up with the flu? Take this WebMD quiz to find out just how much you know about influenza.
Contagious Diseases: What They Are, How They Spread
Do you know what a contagious disease is? And how it spreads? Test your knowledge with this WebMD quiz.