Not Getting the Flu Vaccine While the flu vaccine can be extremely effective at preventing the flu, it can also help minimize the symptoms if you do catch the virus. "There are more and more studies that show that it does lessen the severity of the disease, meaning if you do get flu, you're likely to get a milder case," Dr. Milstone said. While you'll still feel sick, "maybe it won't last many days or you won't feel like you can't get out of bed." Image Source: Getty / Karl Tapales