Flu season is just around the corner. You know the misery of a fever, sore throat, coughing, body ache, and exhaustion that comes with the flu. Even worse is the knowledge that with a flu shot, you could have avoided it!
Here are the top five reasons to get your annual flu shot and stay protected this flu season–which can run from October to May!
It Protects Not Only You–But Those Around You
The CDC recommends annual influenza vaccination for everyone six months of age and up. Some people, like the elderly and young children and people with respiratory/immunity issues or chronic diseases, are more vulnerable.
That means even if you think you are healthy or unlikely to get the flu, those around you might not be as lucky. An annual flu shot can reduce your risk of flu illness by up to 60%. If you’ve got the shot, it means you’re less likely to get the flu, which means you’re less likely to give it to the folks around you.
Getting your flu shot helps build herd immunity, which means if we all get immunized, we can’t spread the virus elsewhere. If we all do our part and get our shot, we’re all protected.
Every Flu Season is Different
Every year, according to the CDC, more than a million people contract flu viruses, more than 100,000 are hospitalized, and more than 10,000 die from flu-related illnesses. Flu season is different every year, meaning there’s no way to predict the severity or susceptibility year by year. But it’s not all doom and gloom.
The same numbers report annual flu shots prevent more than 7 million flu-related illnesses, more than 3 million medical visits, more than 100,000 hospitalizations, and more than 6,000 deaths every year.
Because influenza is a virus, it’s constantly changing, adapting, and evolving.
Every year, experts research the strains most common for that year–and then develop a vaccine based on that research. Protection from a shot lasts for around six months, which means last year’s shot won’t protect you this year.
There’s no way of telling what kind of flu season we’re in for, but there is a way to stay protected–get your shot today!
A Flu Shot Can’t Give You The Flu
You’ve probably heard the myth that you can catch the flu from a flu shot.
This is completely false.
Influenza vaccines contain dead, inactive strains of Influenza A and Influenza B viruses. Because the strains in vaccines are inactive, it’s impossible to contract the virus from a flu shot. Even though the strains are inactive, your body still builds antibodies to fight these specific strains.
The most common side effects typically include headache, muscle aches, fever, and nausea which usually only last a day or two. Once your body has completed its immune response, you’ve significantly reduced your risk of getting the flu.
Plus, per the World Health Organization, severe side effects are exceedingly rare and influenza vaccinations are safe.
The Best Time To Get Your Flu Shot is Right Now
Flu season can run anywhere from October to May, but no one can predict exactly when it will officially begin–or end.
That means the best time to get your vaccine is before flu season starts.
It usually takes your immune system about two weeks post-shot to build up sufficient antibodies to prevent contracting the influenza virus. That means the earlier you get your shot, the better.
Getting vaccinated as important as possible is important.
Act fast and get your shot before flu season officially starts!
We Offer Them to Our Obstetrical Patients At All Our Locations!
We will be offering flu shots to all of our obstetrical patients at all of our locations!
If you have an appointment coming up, be sure to ask for a flu shot while you’re here!
Otherwise, call (716) 675-5222 to schedule an appointment to get your shot!