Brace yourself: Flu season is around the corner.
Soon, subways, schools and offices will be filled with sniffling, sneezing and wheezing as the dreaded virus makes its sickening comeback.
Want to avoid becoming one of them? Dr. Bruce Hirsch, an infectious disease specialist at Northwell Health, revealed the top five mistakes Americans make when getting the flu shot — and shared one surprising trick to supercharge your immunity.
Mistake No. 1: Getting jabbed too soon
“The protection from the flu shot is best in the first two months after vaccination, but then it decreases,” Hirsch told The Post.
So while getting it early might make you feel like an overachiever, you could be leaving yourself with slightly diminished immunity at the peak of flu season.
Mistake No. 2: Waiting too long to roll up your sleeves
Putting off your flu shot leaves you more vulnerable to catching it — or having more severe symptoms if you do. Getting vaccinated on schedule also helps reduce the spread of the virus in the community, protecting those who are most vulnerable.
So when is the right time? According to the doc, it’s two weeks prior to the flu season. But here’s the catch: No one knows when flu season will start.
“It is recommended to get the flu shot in late October or early November,” Hirsch said. “Flu outbreaks can take place from September through March, but usually take place in late November or December.”
Shooting your shot late or early is better than no shots at all, though: “Get it when you can, particularly if you are in contact with infants, the elderly or anyone with a weakened immune system,” he urged.
The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get the flu shot every year, even if you’ve gotten vaccinated or caught the illness in the past.
Mistake No. 3: Skipping a steroid break
“If you can, be off steroids like prednisone for at least two weeks prior to the flu shot,” Hirsch said. “Steroids may lower the benefit from the vaccine.”
Steroids suppress your immune system, reducing your body’s ability to build protective antibodies and weakening your response to the jab.
A study of over 15,000 patients found those who got steroid shots for joint pain in the weeks before their flu vaccine had a 52% higher risk of catching the virus than people who didn’t get the injections.
Mistake No. 4: Popping Tylenol before your shot
Taking a painkiller before your appointment might seem like a good idea, but some research suggests Tylenol can weaken the vaccine’s power and negatively affect your immune response.
“You can take it after, if you get pain, fever or achiness with the vaccine,” Hirsch said.
Mistake No. 5: Being a couch potato after the shot
Hitting the sack might sound tempting, but research shows that moving your body after getting the flu vaccine can improve its effectiveness.
A 2022 study found people who exercised for 90 minutes after their shot had a stronger antibody response over the next four weeks compared to those who just sat or went back to their usual routine.
“A healthy lifestyle makes for a healthy immune system and helps to get more from the vaccine — and decrease illness from infections,” Hirsch said.
Want to supercharge your immunity? Here’s a pro tip
“Certain foods with healthy bacteria have been associated with more vigor of the immune system,” Hirsch said.
Think fermented fridge staples like pickles, sauerkraut and kimchi, as well as drinks like kefir and kombucha.
You should also consider upping your fiber intake.
“An amazing study in mice demonstrated fiber helped survival after influenza infection,” Hirsch said.
But don’t expect your kitchen to do all the heavy lifting: “Stay well! Get the flu shot!” Hirsch urged.
