Flu Concerns and Vaccination: What You Need to Know

Inquiry about influenza and vaccines?

Hello, doctor.
Yesterday, I had a barbecue with a friend who is currently serving in the military.
Towards the end of our conversation, he mentioned that there seemed to be a lot of colds or flu going around.
After he returned, he developed symptoms and took antiviral medication.
I was a bit taken aback because he is also a doctor, but since we have a good relationship, I felt it was too late to say anything after we had already eaten, so I just told him to wear a mask until they finished eating.

Since I live with my grandparents, when I got home, I told my family that I would keep my distance and stay in my room, which has a shower, and I would eat separately.
Two years ago, when I was in the military, many people had the flu, and although I didn't get sick, one of my fellow soldiers did, and I was taken for a referral and given prophylactic medication.
A group of us was then classified as having flu-like symptoms and isolated.
I would like to ask you two questions.
First, if I were to be infected, should I just observe for 1-4 days from yesterday? I read online that the average incubation period is two days, and the main symptoms are fever and body aches.
I already have allergies that cause a runny nose and post-nasal drip, so I'm unsure if I would be given prophylactic medication if I go to see a doctor tomorrow or the day after.

My second question is about getting vaccinated.
Should I wait for four days after the exposure to see if I have any symptoms before getting vaccinated? If, unfortunately, I do get infected and take antiviral medication for five days, how long after completing the medication should I wait before getting vaccinated? Thank you!

K, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/10/04

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine

Hello,
1.
The incubation period for influenza is typically around 3-5 days.

2.
Physicians usually determine whether the symptoms are new or existing, as well as consider your age and any underlying health conditions, to decide whether to prescribe antiviral medications like Tamiflu.

3.
Regarding the vaccine, it is generally recommended to administer it if there is no fever.
For added safety, it is best to receive the vaccine when there are no influenza symptoms or when the symptoms have improved.
The use of antiviral medications is not significantly related to the timing of vaccination.
Thank you for your question.

Reply Date: 2020/10/04

More Info

When it comes to flu concerns and vaccination, especially in the context of potential exposure to the virus, there are several important factors to consider.
Firstly, regarding your exposure to your friend who may have had flu-like symptoms, it is wise to take precautions. The incubation period for the flu typically ranges from 1 to 4 days, with an average of about 2 days. This means that if you were exposed to the virus, you should monitor yourself for symptoms such as fever, body aches, cough, and fatigue during this time frame. Given that you have allergies that can cause nasal congestion and post-nasal drip, it’s essential to differentiate between your usual allergy symptoms and those indicative of the flu. If you start experiencing flu-like symptoms, it would be prudent to consult a healthcare provider. They may consider preventive treatment, especially if you are at higher risk due to living with elderly family members.

As for vaccination, it is generally recommended to wait until you are symptom-free before receiving the flu vaccine. If you were to contract the flu, the antiviral medication (like oseltamivir, commonly known as Tamiflu) is typically prescribed for a duration of 5 days. After completing the antiviral treatment, it is advisable to wait at least 14 days before getting vaccinated. This waiting period allows your immune system to recover and ensures that the vaccine can be effective without interference from the antiviral medication.

Additionally, it’s important to understand that flu vaccines are designed to stimulate your immune system to produce antibodies against the influenza virus. They do not contain live virus and cannot cause the flu. The vaccine is particularly important for individuals who are at higher risk of complications from the flu, including the elderly, young children, and those with chronic health conditions.
In your case, considering your living situation with elderly family members, getting vaccinated is a proactive step to protect both yourself and them. The flu vaccine is recommended annually because the virus can change from year to year, and the vaccine is updated to match circulating strains.
In summary, monitor yourself for symptoms for the next few days, consult a healthcare provider if you develop flu-like symptoms, and plan to get vaccinated once you are symptom-free and have completed any necessary antiviral treatment. Taking these steps will help ensure your health and the health of those around you. Remember, maintaining good hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing and wearing a mask in crowded situations, can also significantly reduce the risk of flu transmission.

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