# Possible to get a lesser version of flu, with flu shot? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [December 31, 2010, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-to-get-a-lesser-version-of-flu-with-flu-shot/565972 "2010-12-31T18:54:05Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 19\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Freudian\_Slit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/5daacb/32.png) [@Freudian\_Slit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Freudian_Slit)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2010, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-to-get-a-lesser-version-of-flu-with-flu-shot/565972/1 "2010-12-31T18:54:05Z")
I’m not talking about getting flu symptoms or even the flu from the shot. I mean, if you get a flu shot and you’re exposed to the flu virus, can you get the flu but just a less severe version? This past week I was kind of sick/tired. It didn’t feel like a cold because I didn’t really have any sneezing coughing. Had a slightly sore throat and headache, fatigue, and achiness. It reminded me of the time I did have the flu years ago where those were my main symptoms but way magnified. (Super tired, super sore, etc.) But since I had the flu shot, was the flu somehow tempered? Or is it impossible for something like that to happen? ---
**Author:** ![Khadaji](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/9e8a1a/32.png) [@Khadaji](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khadaji)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2010, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-to-get-a-lesser-version-of-flu-with-flu-shot/565972/2 "2010-12-31T19:23:24Z")
There are all kinds of viruses - not just the flu or cold. IANAD, but I’m guessing you just had a virus of some kind. ---
**Author:** ![delphica](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e9a140/32.png) [@delphica](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/delphica)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2010, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-to-get-a-lesser-version-of-flu-with-flu-shot/565972/3 "2010-12-31T19:25:15Z")
The annual flu shot protects you against the strains of flu that the medical community has made the best guess will be predominant this year. You probably noticed that this year, the ads for flu shots at drug stores specify that this year’s shot includes H1N1. Last year, the regular flu shots had already been produced before the H1N1 vaccine was ready, so people had to get two shots if they wanted H1N1 as well (or this could have been two years ago, I’m getting old and the years are all blending together!). If you have a touch of the flu, it is most likely a flu strain that wasn’t included in this year’s shot. The problem is that there is not ONE flu virus. ---
**Author:** ![Philster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/13edae/32.png) [@Philster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Philster)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2010, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-to-get-a-lesser-version-of-flu-with-flu-shot/565972/4 "2010-12-31T22:43:00Z")
My vote: You had no influenza virus infection. You did not have any type of flu virus, based on the symptoms/severity/duration/etc. You probably had some other type of virus and/or mild bacterial infection. You can get an influenza infection (or more) this year… but it would be a strain not included in this year’s vaccination. It would mow you down like you’ve been mowed down in the past. You’ll be wondering how many buses ran you over. When did you get the vaccine? For a day or two afterwards, your body might feel a touch sick as your immune system works in response to the viruses in the vaccination. . ---
**Author:** ![jasg](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f0a364/32.png) [@jasg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jasg)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2010, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-to-get-a-lesser-version-of-flu-with-flu-shot/565972/5 "2010-12-31T23:36:07Z")
never mind… misread OP ---
**Author:** ![Uncertain](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Uncertain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uncertain)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2010, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-to-get-a-lesser-version-of-flu-with-flu-shot/565972/6 "2010-12-31T23:59:51Z")
It’s certainly possible. The vaccine is good but is far from 100% effective, and those who do get the flu despite the vaccine may well have less severe cases. > [@delphica](#): > > Last year, the regular flu shots had already been produced before the H1N1 vaccine was ready, so people had to get two shots if they wanted H1N1 as well The “regular” shot did contain an H1N1, but not the 2009 pandemic H1N1. ---
**Author:** ![Freudian\_Slit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/5daacb/32.png) [@Freudian\_Slit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Freudian_Slit)\ **Post date:** [January 1, 2011, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-to-get-a-lesser-version-of-flu-with-flu-shot/565972/7 "2011-01-01T01:09:50Z")
Just a milder virus then? That does make sense. Either way, glad that the worst of it is over and that I’m on the mend. (And that I managed to feel gross/sick when school was out so I didn’t have to miss any classes!) ---
**Author:** ![Mariemarie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/58f4c7/32.png) [@Mariemarie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mariemarie)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2011, 5:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-to-get-a-lesser-version-of-flu-with-flu-shot/565972/8 "2011-01-04T05:22:28Z")
I did get the flu shot. My boyfriend has the flu, which was confirmed by a test at the doctor’s office. Now I have mild flulike symptoms-- sore throat, aches, fatique, chills, coughing–but not like I got run over by a bus. My symptoms started 2 days after the Dude started showing symptoms. Should I stay away from work and gatherings for a few days? Is someone going to catch a full-blown case of flu from me? ---
**Author:** ![Hirka\_T\_Bawa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/db5fbb/32.png) [@Hirka\_T\_Bawa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hirka_T_Bawa)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2011, 5:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-to-get-a-lesser-version-of-flu-with-flu-shot/565972/9 "2011-01-04T05:32:58Z")
**Mariemarie** , when did you get the flu shot? You might have some minor symptoms within 2-3 days after due to your immune system reacting to the shot. However, you don’t become totally “immune” to the flu for up to 2 weeks after the shot. ---
**Author:** ![elfkin477](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/a9a28c/32.png) [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2011, 5:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-to-get-a-lesser-version-of-flu-with-flu-shot/565972/10 "2011-01-04T05:51:48Z")
**Freudian Slit** , when you say you got a “Flu shot” do you _literally_ mean you were given a shot, or did you get the nasal mist? A big deal was made about those of us with asthma and people with auto-immune disorders avoid getting the mist with the live weakened virus because we are more likely to get the flu from it than other people. It stands to reason that other people can get the flu from the mist too. The shot, on the other hand, contains the virus in a deceased form, so no one should be getting the flu from it. ---
**Author:** ![Mariemarie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/58f4c7/32.png) [@Mariemarie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mariemarie)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2011, 5:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-to-get-a-lesser-version-of-flu-with-flu-shot/565972/11 "2011-01-04T05:51:54Z")
I got the shot several weeks ago, maybe 2 or 3 months, so my symptoms are probably not a reaction to the shot. I guess my question is, if I have the Flu, but my symptoms are milder because I had the shot, can I still pass on the Big Flu to others? Maybe what I should do is go to the doctor and get a test. ---
**Author:** ![Freudian\_Slit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/5daacb/32.png) [@Freudian\_Slit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Freudian_Slit)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2011, 5:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-to-get-a-lesser-version-of-flu-with-flu-shot/565972/12 "2011-01-04T05:55:17Z")
> [@elfkin477](#): > > **Freudian Slit** , when you say you got a “Flu shot” do you _literally_ mean you were given a shot, or did you get the nasal mist? A big deal was made about those of us with asthma and people with auto-immune disorders avoid getting the mist with the live weakened virus because we are more likely to get the flu from it than other people. It stands to reason that other people can get the flu from the mist too. The shot, on the other hand, contains the virus in a deceased form, so no one should be getting the flu from it. I got the shot, not the mist. But I wasn’t asking whether or not I got the flu from the shot. I just meant could I be vaccinated against it and as a result of being exposed to other people with the flu, get a less harsh version of the flu? But from the other responses, it doesn’t seem to be the case that that can happen, and more likely I just got some other kind of virus. Either way, I seem to be in top form now. ETA: In response to someone who asked when I got the flu shot, it was the end of October, so I don’t think what I was feeling had anything to do with after effects of the shot. ---
**Author:** ![Mariemarie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/58f4c7/32.png) [@Mariemarie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mariemarie)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2011, 6:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-to-get-a-lesser-version-of-flu-with-flu-shot/565972/13 "2011-01-04T06:16:09Z")
This from the [CDC](http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/misconceptions.htm) (italics added) > [@](#): > > Seasonal influenza vaccine provides the best protection available from seasonal flu—even when the vaccine does not exactly match circulating seasonal flu strains, and even when the person getting the vaccine has a weakened immune system. \*Vaccination can lessen illness \*severity and is particularly important for people at high risk for serious flu-related complications and close contacts of high-risk people. [Further](http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/vaccineeffect.htm) > [@](#): > > Vaccine effectiveness is not 100%, and some people can still get the flu. For instance, some older people and people with certain chronic illnesses might develop less immunity than healthy young adults after vaccination. However, even for these high-risk individuals, the flu vaccine still can provide protection against getting severe complications from the flu. I’m still confused though. ---
**Author:** ![Philster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/13edae/32.png) [@Philster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Philster)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2011, 12:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-to-get-a-lesser-version-of-flu-with-flu-shot/565972/14 "2011-01-04T12:53:58Z")
Why? Getting a flu shot doesn’t mean: A) all strains are accounted for B) You’re immune system is going to be 100% perfect in response to the shot C) a 100% guarantee against all illnesses that can present ‘flu-like’ symptoms. Considering that many viruses present the same symptoms and we don’t get a culture every time we get sick, no one should expect to avoid being ill because they got a flu shot. ---
**Author:** ![don\_t\_ask](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@don\_t\_ask](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/don_t_ask)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2011, 1:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-to-get-a-lesser-version-of-flu-with-flu-shot/565972/15 "2011-01-04T13:02:53Z")
I have this argument every year at work. We are offered free flu shots if we want them. The year before they started this I had real “wish I was dead flu” so I get one each year and haven’t had flu since. But people find it hard to accept that you may still get ill, and if you do it has nothing to do with the flu shot. The so-and-so had a shot and got the flu BS is so prevalent i have given up trying to set people straight. ---
**Author:** ![SciFiSam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/47e85d/32.png) [@SciFiSam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SciFiSam)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2011, 1:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-to-get-a-lesser-version-of-flu-with-flu-shot/565972/16 "2011-01-04T13:33:52Z")
When I had my flu jab last week, the leaflet that came with it specifically said that you can, rarely, still get the strains of flu it vaccinates against, but it will be much less severe. [Here’s a link to a PDF](http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CBoQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nhs.uk%2FConditions%2FFlu-jab%2Fdocuments%2FSeasonal%2520Flu%2520Vaccination%2520leaflet.pdf&rct=j&q=uk%20nhs%20flu%20jab%20leafelt&ei=_CAjTYGuEqqqhAfi9YW3Dg&usg=AFQjCNFy71PPT8FS595TfCTI3bkDSHXu2A&sig2=3KVVNbQH1gFFHdSvhBQK5Q&cad=rja)of an NHS flu vaccination leaflet, though it’s not the same one I read last week. It says: > [@](#): > > Most people who have the seasonal flu vaccination will not > get seasonal flu. However, like any vaccine, it does not give > 100 per cent protection. Out of every 100 people who have the > vaccine, 70 to 80 will be protected, while the others are more likely > to get milder symptoms. ---
**Author:** ![SciFiSam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/47e85d/32.png) [@SciFiSam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SciFiSam)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2011, 1:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-to-get-a-lesser-version-of-flu-with-flu-shot/565972/17 "2011-01-04T13:35:15Z")
Shame you can’t add flashing lights and colours to the part of your OP that says ‘I’m not asking if you can get flu from the flu vaccination.’ 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Mariemarie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/58f4c7/32.png) [@Mariemarie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mariemarie)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2011, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-to-get-a-lesser-version-of-flu-with-flu-shot/565972/18 "2011-01-05T01:32:53Z")
Update-- I went to the doctor and had the swab test, and it came back negative for flu antibodies, which means I don’t have a less-severe (or any) case of the flu. If it had come back positive, the doctor says it would have been possible (likely) for me to transmit the full-blown version of the flu to others. I was worried we had picked up a strain of flu that the vaccine did not protect for, but that is not the case. ---
**Author:** ![HMS\_Irruncible](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hms_irruncible/32/7394_2.png) [@HMS\_Irruncible](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HMS_Irruncible)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2011, 1:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-to-get-a-lesser-version-of-flu-with-flu-shot/565972/19 "2011-01-05T01:48:22Z")
> [@Freudian\_Slit](#): > > I got the shot, not the mist. But I wasn’t asking whether or not I got the flu from the shot. I just meant could I be vaccinated against it and as a result of being exposed to other people with the flu, get a less harsh version of the flu? But from the other responses, it doesnt. If you get a flu shot for strain X, and that strain mutated slightly in the wild, you could get a less harsh (or even more harsh) version of that flu. But arguably, if it’s mutated, then it’s not really flu X anymore. Alternately, you could catch a horrible case of flu strain Y, which wasn’t in the shot because it was not expected to be widespread that year.