Q: Do I really need to get a flu shot this fall? Do they really work?

-Russ G., Red Bank

A flu vaccine is a very good idea! The flu is a serious illness, causing around 36,000 deaths (mostly among the elderly population) annually. Flu-related complications account for 200,000 hospitalizations in the average year. The seasonal flu shot provides protective benefits against the three most common strains (kinds) of flu that are circulating in the population each year.

It is important to get a flu shot in September or as soon as the vaccine becomes available, because it takes roughly two weeks for the average person’s immune system to respond to the vaccine and make the antibodies that will protect against influenza infection. If you are exposed to the flu before this two-week period is up, you could still get the flu. The flu season in the United States tends to run from October or November through April or May, so you should try to get vaccinated before this year’s flu viruses circulate through your community or workplace.

Even if you got a flu shot last year, you need to get one this year. This is because the most common flu viruses change every year, and last year’s shot might not provide protection against this year’s new strains.

If fear of needles is preventing you from receiving the vaccine, consider the nasal spray flu vaccine, but only if you’re healthy, as the nasal spray form contains a weakened live flu virus (the flu shot contains only killed viruses). The nasal spray is not a good option for those under the age of two or over age 49, or those who are pregnant.