Influenza can cause days of fever, pain, and flu related symptoms with the majority of individuals, and hospitalization and death among thousands of individuals worldwide. The best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated. This will protect you, your family, and prevent the spreading of the virus.

Flu seasons also vary, depending on where you live. In Egypt, the best time to get the vaccine is end of October to November, however vaccine can be taken throughout the flu season until January. You should get vaccinated as soon as the vaccine becomes available. It takes about two weeks for the flu vaccine to start working, so you want to make sure you are fully protected as soon as possible.

Starting from 6 months, and elderly are highly advised to get the flu vaccine. Anyone who usually catches the flu during the past years should also get the vaccine. Individuals with most chronic conditions, a weakened immune system, and those who are at high risk for developing flu-related complications and those who care for or live with such people.

You should NOT get the influenza vaccine if you have allergies to any of the vaccine components.

• Can keep you from getting sick with flu.
• Reduce the risk of flu-associated hospitalization for children,
  working age adults, and older adults.
• Important preventive tool for people with chronic health conditions.
• Helps protect women during and after pregnancy.
  Can be life-saving in children.
• Reduce severity of illness in people who get vaccinated but still get sick.
• Protect people around you, including those who are
  more vulnerable to serious flu illness, like babies and young children, older people, and people with certain chronic health conditions.