At 45, should I get the flu vaccine again after recovering?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 45-year-old man down with high fever, body pain, and cough for three days. My nasal swab tested positive for Influenza A. I have been taking Oseltamivir since yesterday, but the fever still spikes up to 101 degrees Fahrenheit, and my oxygen level hovers around 96 percent. My wife is also coughing. Please tell me;

Should she start antiviral treatment preventively?
When can I safely return to work without infecting others?
Is it advisable to get the flu vaccine again after recovery?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

You are having a typical course of Influenza A infection.

Even though you started Oseltamivir (a neuraminidase inhibitor), it is common for fever and body aches to continue for three to five days before you start feeling better. Keep taking the medicine as prescribed, rest as much as possible, and drink plenty of fluids.

Your oxygen level of 96 percent is still okay, but if it drops below 92 percent, or if you feel short of breath, chest pain, or worsening weakness, you should go to the hospital right away.

Since your wife is now coughing, it is possible she has also caught the flu. If her symptoms began within the last 48 hours, it would be reasonable for her to start Oseltamivir as well. This medicine can help shorten an illness if taken early.

You are most contagious during the first five to seven days of symptoms. It is best to stay home until your fever has been gone for at least 24 hours without taking fever medicine before returning to work.

After you recover, you can safely get the flu vaccine, ideally a few weeks after full recovery, to protect you from other flu strains later in the season.

I hope this information helps you.

Feel free to ask further queries.

Thank you.