Can I get a flu vaccine if I have a cold? Credit: Disclosure Can I get the flu vaccine if I have the flu? The answer depends on an important detail. Winter has arrived, the vaccination centers are full and, right at this time, many people start to feel the first symptoms of flu or a cold. The question that arises is almost immediate: does it make sense to get the flu vaccine now, or do I need to wait to get better first? For those who have mild symptoms and want to alleviate discomfort while waiting for the right time to get vaccinated, the main anti-flu medications are available at Drogal, with pharmaceutical support to guide appropriate use. The rule that defines everything: do you have a fever? This is the question that separates the two possible scenarios. The World Health Organization (WHO), the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Fiocruz Foundation indicate that mild colds, without fever, do not usually prevent immunization. Fever or signs of infection may lead to postponing the dose until improvement. For the pharmacist responsible for Rede Drogal, Eliane Messias, before getting vaccinated it is important to be aware of the symptoms. "If you have a fever, our recommendation is to always see a doctor for evaluation. In general, mild colds are not an impediment to not vaccinating", he comments. Translation: runny nose, sneezing, mild sore throat? The vaccine can. Fever, whole body aching, intense discomfort? Expect to improve. If you feel a worsening of the condition: immediately seek a doctor for clinical evaluation. Why fever is the signal to pause The Ministry of Health recommends avoiding influenza vaccination during any fever, whether due to the flu, Covid-19 or another illness, so that the symptoms of the disease are not confused with possible vaccine reactions. There is yet another reason. When the body is in the midst of an active infection, the immune system is busy fighting that threat. The response to the vaccine, which depends on the body recognizing antigens and producing specific antibodies, may be less effective at this time. If the fever completely subsides for a period of at least 48 hours, the individual can be vaccinated, as long as they do not show signs of severity. Can the vaccine worsen the symptoms of someone who is sick? According to the Brazilian Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology, vaccines are well tolerated by a wide spectrum of people. In the case of the elderly, symptoms tend to be similar to those of an adult. Local pain, edema (swelling) and erythema (skin redness) at a local level are expected during the first 48 hours. Other symptoms such as fever, mild malaise and myalgia (muscle discomfort) are also expected and subside relatively quickly as the body begins to absorb and create resistance. The flu vaccine contains inactivated virus particles, but does not cause sudden adverse reactions. Its objective is to make the body acquire resistance to the virus, so there are no major problems during the process. What can happen is a coincidence: the person takes the vaccine while they are in the incubation period of another infection and, days later, they develop some characteristic symptoms. This process is not related to the vaccine. The vaccine does not worsen the symptoms of mild colds. In fact, it begins protection against influenza viruses while the body deals with that milder condition. The confusion between reaction to the vaccine and worsening of the disease is also a point that justifies delaying the application in cases of fever: it is impossible to know what caused what. How long after I get better can I get vaccinated The flu vaccine is contraindicated in cases of acute febrile illness that compromises general health. The final decision must be made by a specialist after examining the patient's general clinical condition. For most people, the practical guideline is to wait for the fever to completely disappear for at least 48 hours before looking for a vaccination point. Mild residual symptoms, such as tiredness or a weak runny nose, generally do not prevent application, but it is always worth confirming with the healthcare professional at the time of consultation. What about vitamin C? Does it help before or after the vaccine? This is another question that comes up a lot in winter. Vitamin C plays important roles in the immune system, but there is no robust scientific evidence that supplementation is effective in preventing colds and flu. What some studies suggest is a more modest effect: people who ingest 1 to 2 grams of vitamin C per day may experience cold symptoms for less time, with recovery about 8% faster in adults and 14% in children. Prevention no, but possible reduction in the duration of symptoms yes. So vitamin C does not replace the vaccine, and it does not prevent the flu, but it can be part of supportive care during the recovery period. Anyone who wants to include vitamin C in their winter routine should talk to a pharmacist or doctor about appropriate dosage, as excess can cause gastrointestinal discomfort and, in predisposed people, increase the risk of kidney stones. Where to get vaccinated Those who have already improved their fever and want to ensure protection before the winter peak can check the availability of the flu vaccine at Drogal vaccination points, with service without the need for an appointment in many units. The vaccine takes around two weeks to generate protection. July, the month with the highest circulation of the virus in Brazil, is approaching. Anyone who has not yet been immunized, and does not have a fever now, has a good reason not to delay it any longer. What supplements are recommended to increase immunity? Eliane Messias Rodrigues, responsible pharmacist for Drogal. CRF/SP 43,895