What Is Influenza (Flu)?
Influenza, commonly called the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. It can cause symptoms such as:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Body aches
- Headache
- Fatigue
The flu spreads from person to person through tiny droplets released into the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. People can become infected by breathing in these droplets or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching their eyes, nose, or mouth.
For people with IBD, preventing the flu is especially important because some IBD medications can affect the immune system and increase the risk of complications from infection.
For People with Crohn's Disease or Ulcerative Colitis (IBD)
People with IBD may be at higher risk for flu-related complications, especially if they take corticosteroids (steroids) or anti-TNF medications. Vaccination is an important way to reduce the risk of serious illness.
Key Recommendations
- Get an annual flu vaccine every year.
- These recommendations apply to both adults and children with IBD.
Flu Vaccine Recommendations
- Most people with IBD should receive the standard inactivated (non-live) flu vaccine each year.
- Adults 65 years and older should receive an enhanced flu vaccine (high-dose, recombinant, or adjuvanted).
- People taking anti-TNF therapy alone may benefit from a high-dose flu vaccine when available.
- Children with IBD should receive the age-appropriate inactivated flu vaccine.
- Children ages 6 months to 8 years may need two doses depending on their vaccination history.
- Do not receive the live nasal spray flu vaccine if you are taking immune-modifying medications.
Safety
- Flu vaccines are safe for people with IBD and are not associated with IBD flares.
- The benefits of vaccination greatly outweigh the risks for most people with IBD.
Family Members and Caregivers
- Household members and close contacts should stay up to date on flu to help protect people with IBD who may be immunocompromised.
- Household contacts of people taking immune-modifying medications should receive the inactivated flu vaccine, not the live nasal spray vaccine.
Pediatric IBD
For children and adolescents with IBD:
- Follow the recommended childhood schedule for annual flu vaccination.
- Children receiving immunosuppressive medications should not receive the live nasal spray flu vaccine.
How to Help Prevent the Flu
There are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of getting or spreading the flu:
Get vaccinated each year.
An annual flu vaccine is the best way to help protect yourself from the flu and its complications.
Cover coughs and sneezes.
Use a tissue or cough and sneeze into your elbow to help prevent the spread of germs.
Practice good hand hygiene.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Stay home when you're sick.
Rest and avoid close contact with others if you have flu symptoms. If you're healthy, try to avoid close contact with people who are ill.
Follow your treatment plan.
If your healthcare provider prescribes antiviral medication for the flu, take it as directed and complete the full course of treatment.