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Can You Get a Flu Shot If You Have a Cold?

You can get a flu shot if you have a cold.

More Info: Under your doctor's guidance, you can get a flu shot if you have a cold, illness, or respiratory illness without fever.  You should not get a flu shot if you have any illness that includes a fever. 

Who Should Not to Get a Flu Shot?

Though most people would benefit from getting the flu shot, it's not for everybody. There instances where it can be life threatening such as:

• Those allergic to eggs
• Anyone having had a serious reaction in the past
• People who suffer from Guillain-Barré syndrome.
• Children younger than 6 months
• Those sick with a fever

Who Should Get a Flu Shot?

Anyone wishing to lower the risk of getting the flu should get a vaccine.  For those who get a flu shot and still get the flu, the symptoms are generally milder.  Those most at risk should seriously consider getting a flu shot including:

• Those 65 and over
• Those suffering from long-term chronic diseases such as heart disease
• Those residing in facilities like nursing homes
• Anyone with a compromised immune system
• Pregnant women or those trying to become pregnant
• Children six-months to four years