Do You Need a Flu Shot? A Vaccine Expert Weighs In

You know the symptoms. When severe aches, fever, exhaustion, headache, and a sore throat come on full force, and you kind of feel like you’ve been hit by a truck, you may have influenza, a viral respiratory illness with potentially serious outcomes. Unfortunately, because the flu is a virus, there’s no real “cure.” But with the right preventative measures, like hand-washing, avoiding contact with sick people, and other good health habits, you can plan ahead and protect yourself fromillnesses likecolds and certain strains of the flu. So where does the flu shot fit in? And should you get one?

Medical experts and medical evidence say yes — the flu shot is both necessary and effective in preventing influenza. According to the Center for Disease Control, everyone over six months of age should get a flu vaccine each year. Not only could a flu shot keep you from feeling miserable; it can also protect those around you.

“Influenza vaccine will keep people from getting sick and missing school, work, and other important activities,” Kathleen M. Neuzil, MD, MPH, FIDSA, Director, Center for Vaccine Development, University of Maryland School of Medicine tells us. “In addition, the vaccine will reduce the chance of spreading influenza to people who are more likely to get sick and die from it — these include infants younger than six months of age, older people, people with cancer, and people with other medical conditions.”

Just how effective are flu shots? Dr. Neuzil says that research repeatedly demonstrates that vaccines are effective in protecting vaccinated individuals from 50 to 60 percent of any influenza illness. Flu shots are often most protective against severe disease, and they can prevent up to 80 to 90 percent of hospitalizations for severe influenza illness. Unfortunately, however, a flu shot isn’t a free ticket out of getting sick. Every year, medical researchers predict the three to four strains of the flu likely to be most common that season, and that year’s flu shot is most effective against those specific viruses.

Because they contain proteins that look like influenza virus but cannot actually cause influenza, flu shots help the body create immune responses that can protect the body when it is exposed to certain strains of the real virus. And although you won’t actually catch influenza from the vaccine itself, you may have some mild side effects after you get it. For example, some people have a sore arm after the shot, while others complain of weakness and fatigue for a day or two.

If you have mixed feelings on the flu shot and aren’t sure whether it’s right for you, Dr. Neuzil has some words of wisdom. “I would reassure anyone unsure about the flu shot that we have decades of experience with influenza vaccine, and we know it is safe and well-tolerated,” she said.

And even if you think you may not need a flu shot, it’s important to consider more vulnerable populations you may come into contact with, like infants, the elderly, people on chemotherapy, or people with lung disease. “If [people] aren’t motivated to get the vaccine to keep themselves healthy, then please do it for those vulnerable people who may end up in the hospital or die from influenza.”

Did you get a flu shot this year? Tell us about your experience @BritandCo.

(Photo via Getty)

Dating or marrying someone you can't be yourself with feels awful, but Gisele Bündchen is done with that. She's moved on from life with Tom Brady and has been happily enjoying her relationship with jiu-jitsu trainer Joaquim Valente. She even announced she was pregnant with their first child together last year! But that doesn't means she's forgotten how she felt during her former marriage, nor is she shying away from embracing all the new feelings!

Keep scrolling to learn how Gisele Bündchen feels post her divorce from Tom Brady!

Jason Koerner/Getty Images IWC Schaffhausen

Gisele Bündchen is basking in the afterglow that comes from ending a draining relationship. According to Page Six, a source told them she's experiencing a "freer" feeling with her current boyfriend Joaquim Valente. This comes as a surprise because she and Tom Brady always looked happy in pictures together, but we see how they don't always show what happens behind closed doors.

But she's not slighting Tom! If anything, the source noted the former model is "grateful for what she had" with him and "is blessed for their children."

The observation Gisele's made is noticing that she "felt like she lived in Tom [Brady’s] shadow for a long time," according to the source. Sometimes we shrink ourselves so we don't eclipse the grandiose personality of our partners which can make us feel invisible over time. That's not to say Gisele wanted to overshadow Tom, but feeling heard and seen in a relationship should apply to both partners.

Knowing that the source says she's "absolutely loving this new chapter," it's incredibly valid for Gisele to embrace what feels like a breath of fresh air!

In a previous Page Six reporting, a different insider dished about how Tom felt upon learning Gisele was having a baby with Joaquim. "It just wasn’t something that was on his radar. So when Gisele broke the news to him he was stunned, to say the least." However, the former pro-football player accepted this new development in his ex-wife's life.

"At the end of the day, Tom’s sole focus is on his children and his career. What Gisele decides to do with her own life is really none of his business."

Do you think Gisele Bündchen truly feels different in her relationship with Joaquim Valente? Share your thoughts on Facebook!

Cozy outfits don’t have to be unflattering, and these 10 plus-sizelounge sets from Amazon totally prove it! Plus, you can snag each one without breaking the budget – yet they all look super luxe. From buttery-soft fabrics to effortlessly chic designs, these sets are perfect for everything from lazy weekend hangs to WFH days. If you're looking for plus-size loungewear that feels just as good as it looks, these picks definitely deserve a spot in your wardrobe.

Scroll on for the 10 cutest and coziest plus-size lounge sets you can shop on Amazon!

Amazon

In'voland Plus Size Linen Shorts Set

Breezy and oh-so easy, this linen set works great for more put-together and laze-around-at-home moments alike.

Amazon

Beautife Plus Size Striped Knit Lounge Set

You're gonna want to live in this soft knit set 24/7. The stripes totally kick it up a notch!

Amazon

Oyoangle Plus Size Floral Sleepwear Lounge Set

For more of a pajama vibe, this plus size lounge set comes complete with plenty of frills and florals. You could easily style the top with comfy jeans and sandals for an easy spring 'fit, too!

Amazon

Tiyomoi Button Down Textured Top Set

This set is cut from some insanely soft and breathable fabric to keep you feeling cool. The textured, pleated look makes it look more polished, so you can step out with the utmost confidence!

Amazon

Ekouaer Knit Sweater Lounge Set

Your next WFH session is calling! The high-quality knitted fabric this 2-piece set is made of is said to be "skin-friendly," so you won't feel irritated wearing it all day long.

Amazon

Pinsv Short Sleeve Top & Flare Pants Lounge Set

Easy to put on and even easier to wear during long days, this lounge set is crafted using a pleasantly soft material that moves with you – not against you. It also comes in so many different colors to match your personal style!

Amazon

Zhuhouse Plus Size Pajama Lounge Set

This butter yellow color is undeniably trendy at the moment, so you'll look effortlessly stylish when you slip it on. Whether it's for a movie night at home or a sleepover with your bestie, you'll feel put-together and so cute! Complete the look with your fave slippers, and voila!

Amazon

Ritera Plus Size Pullover Set

The ribbed knit on this plus size lounge set gives it that luxe vibe you're looking for. Better yet, the calm cashmere color is easy to wear with any and every accessory, from loafers to denim jackets when it's chilly out.

Amazon

Eytino Plus Size Pullover Top & Short Set

The varied stripes on this easy-wearing set will definitely have heads turning your way – it's an unexpected (and super stylish) departure from your traditional lounge set designs.

Amazon

Beautife Plus Size Striped Casual Lounge Set

Soft, breathable, and lightweight, this lounge set will feel like a second skin when you wear it. The stripes feel oh-so elevated for such an affordable lounge set!

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With streamers like Netflix and Max adding brand new titles every month, we're always in for an entertaining binge watch. And thanks to Paramount+, we have more than a few TV shows to welcome spring. Whether you're obsessed with Taylor Sheridan shows or you love true crime-inspired drama, here are some of the best series to watch on Paramount+ this month.

The 8 best TV shows to watch on Paramount+ in March 2025.

1. Happy Face — Stream on Paramount+ March 20, 2025

Victoria Will/Paramount+

This new TV show follows Melissa, who comes face-to-face with her father (the infamous Happy Face Killer) after decades of separation when she realizes an innocent man might pay for her dad's crimes.

Happy Face premieres March 20 and stars Annaleigh Ashford, Dennis Quaid, James Wolk, Tamera Tomakili, Khiyla Aynne, and Benjamin Mackey.

2. The Amazing Race season 37 — Stream on Paramount+ on Wednesdays

CBS

14 teams compete in this season of the hit adventure reality show, stopping in Osaka, Japan to complete a 12,000 year old tradition and in Strasbourg, France to explore its medieval history. And this year, they're in for both classic games and new challenges.

The Amazing Race season 37 is hosted by Phil Keoghan.

3. Yellowjackets season 3 — Stream on Paramount+ on Fridays

Kailey Schwerman/Paramount+ with SHOWTIME

As winter ends, the teens realize their trust in one another has fractured — while the present-day Yellowjackets have to face secrets that threaten everything.

Yellowjackets season 3 stars Melanie Lynskey, Christina Ricci, Tawny Cypress, Lauren Ambrose, Sophie Nélisse, Courtney Eaton, Kevin Alves, Sophie Thatcher, Samantha Hanratty, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Liv Hewson, Steven Krueger, Warren Kole, Sarah Desjardins, Simone Kessell, Elijah Wood, Joel McHale, and Hilary Swank.

4. 1923 Season 2 — Stream on Paramount+ on Sundays

Emerson Miller/Paramount+

The Duttons are fighting for their survival in 1923 season 2 as they protect the Yellowstone ranch — and each other. I'm just waiting for the day Alex and Spencer finally reunite!

1923 stars Julia Schlaepfer, Harrison Ford, Helen Mirren, Brandon Sklenar, Darren Mann, Michelle Randolph, Jerome Flynn, Aminah Nieves, and Isabel May.

5. 1883 — Stream on Paramount+

Emerson Miller/Paramount+

Dive into the Taylor Sheridan universe with this Yellowstone prequel that follows the Dutton family as they move their entire lives across the United States.

1883 stars Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Sam Elliott, Isabel May, LaMonica Garrett, Marc Rissmann, Audie Rick, Eric Nelsen, and James Landry Hébert.

6. Sin City Gigolo: A Murder in Las Vegas — Stream on Paramount+

Showtime/Paramount+

After a star from 2010s' reality show Gigolos was convicted of murder in 2020, this docuseries examines the line between fame, crime, and reality.

Sin City Gigolo follows the story of Ash Armand and the other Las Vegas gigolos.

7. School Spirits — Stream on Paramount+

Katie Yu/Paramount+

The internet can't get enough of this Paramount+ show, and considering the season 2 finale just dropped, there's never been a better time to start watching. The series follows Maddie, who wakes up in purgatory and sets out to reclaim her life and reunite the spectral and living worlds.

School Spirits stars Peyton List, Kristian Ventura, Spencer MacPherson, Kiara Pichardo, Sarah Yarkin, Nick Pugliese, Rainbow Wedell, Josh Zuckerman, and Milo Manheim.

8. Avatar: The Last Airbender — Stream on Paramount+

Viacom

This nostalgic series — which follows the long-lost Avatar on his journey to master all four elements and save the world — is the perfect Paramount+ show to binge watch this weekend.

Avatar: The Last Airbender stars Dante Basco, Dee Bradley Baker, Jack De Sena, Jessie Flower, Mae Whitman, and Zach Tyler.

Tag us with your favorite Paramount+ shows on Instagram!