As flu season ramps up, Dr. Olivia Tomasco, a board-certified primary care physician at Houston Methodist West Hospital, answers questions about the flu, including symptoms, vaccinations and how to keep oneself and others safe.

There are several types of flu vaccines available, the physician says:

▪ Standard flu shot: The most common. Contains inactivated virus or virus parts and is safe for most people.

▪ FluMist (nasal spray): A live attenuated vaccine approved for people ages 2 to 49 who are not pregnant, immunocompromised or affected by certain conditions such as asthma or a cerebrospinal fluid leak.

▪ High-dose or adjuvanted vaccines: Recommended for people age 65 and older to help boost immune response and increase effectiveness in this population since our immune systems weaken as we age.

▪ Egg-free vaccine options are available for those with egg allergies.

The best approach is to talk to your doctor about your age, health status and any allergies to

determine the best option.


Question: How severe is this year’s flu season compared to previous years, and what should

people be thinking about as we enter flu season?


Dr. Tomasco:

There is some activity in Houston already, but each season is unpredictable. The best

way to prepare is to get vaccinated and practice good hand hygiene, covering your

cough and staying home when sick.


Question: What are the biggest myths about the flu and the flu vaccine?

Dr. Tomasco:

The biggest myth is that the vaccine will make you sick. While it can cause mild

symptoms, it pales in comparison to the symptoms and severity of actually catching

the flu. There is also a common misconception that healthy people don't need the

vaccine every year, but the flu changes every year, which is why yearly vaccination is

recommended to stay prepared for the most common strains.


Question: Can healthy young people skip the flu shot since they’re not high risk?

Dr. Tomasco:

Young, healthy people can still get very sick from the flu, and can require

hospitalization if severe, so I would not recommend skipping it. Additionally, the flu

changes every year, so yearly vaccination is recommended.


Question: What’s new or different about this year’s flu vaccines? And how should people

choose the right one?


Dr. Tomasco:

The flu vaccine is different and new every year to match the most common strains

currently. Most people can receive the standard flu shot. Older or

immunocompromised individuals may receive the high-dose flu vaccine.


Question: How can people tell the difference between flu, COVID-19 and RSV?

Dr. Tomasco:

The three viruses share many symptoms such as myalgias, cough, fatigue - RSV may

have more respiratory symptoms while COVID can cause loss of taste or smell. The

best way to know is to get tested.


Question: How can families protect vulnerable members during flu season?

Dr. Tomasco:

The best way to protect vulnerable members of their family during flu season is to get

vaccinated and practice good hand hygiene as well as stay home/away from those

family members if they aren't feeling well.


Question: Any final thoughts or advice on flu season?

Dr. Tomasco:

Getting vaccinated is the best way to stay safe against the most common current flu

strains. Always practice good hand hygiene and stay home if you are sick.


More information related to the flu and flu season is available via Houston Methodist’s On

Health Blog.


For more information about Houston Methodist, visit the hospital system’s social media

pages on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok or the On Health and Leading

Medicine blogs.


Houston Methodist West is located at 18500 Katy Freeway near Greenshouse Road in Houston.