10 Reasons to Protect Yourself with a Flu Shot This Year
As we approach the flu season, many of us start thinking about how to stay healthy. Getting a flu shot is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your loved ones. You might wonder if it’s essential, especially if you’ve never had the flu. However, the flu can be severe and sometimes even life-threatening.
This blog will explore why you should protect yourself by getting a flu shot this year.
- Flu Shots Save Lives
The primary reason for getting a flu shot is to save lives. The flu can lead to severe complications that can require hospitalization. Each year, around 200,000 people are hospitalized because of flu-related issues. This includes complications such as dehydration, bacterial pneumonia, and worsening of chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes.
In fact, during the 2017-2018 flu season, about 80,000 people died from the flu and its complications, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). That’s a significant number, highlighting how severe the flu can be. By getting vaccinated, you significantly lower your chances of severe illness and help prevent the virus from spreading to others, particularly those vulnerable, such as infants and the elderly.
- Reduce Sick Days
Flu season can take a heavy toll on your life, especially regarding work and school. Did you know the flu causes around 111 million lost workdays yearly, which estimates that flu illness leads to nearly $7 billion in lost productivity yearly?
You might miss crucial work deadlines or essential school events when you’re sick with the flu. By getting a flu shot, you reduce your risk of getting sick, which means fewer sick days taken off work or school. Less flu means a healthier workplace and community overall.
- Flu Shots Are for Everyone
A common misconception is that flu shots are only for certain groups of people. The reality is that almost everyone can and should get a flu shot! According to the CDC, anyone over six months can receive the flu vaccine. This means that entire families can get vaccinated together, creating a solid wall of protection against the flu virus.
Vaccinating everyone in your family keeps each other safe. It protects those more vulnerable to severe illness, such as babies, elderly individuals, or people with weakened immune systems. The more people vaccinated, the harder it is for the virus to spread in the community.
- Needle-Free Options
Many people dread getting shots, but there’s good news. There are needle-free flu vaccine options available. The nasal spray flu vaccine is suitable for healthy individuals aged 2 to 49 who are not pregnant and do not have asthma. This option makes the vaccination process much easier for those who might be anxious about needles.
Additionally, for those who prefer an injection, there’s an intradermal flu shot that uses a tiny needle. Many people who receive this shot report hardly feeling anything, which means that even those wary of needles can still protect themselves from the flu!
- Particular Vaccines for Older Adults
Our immune systems can weaken as we age, making us more susceptible to illness. For this reason, older adults need extra protection during flu season. Regular flu shots are recommended for everyone over six months, but a particular flu vaccine is designed for those aged 65 and older. This vaccine provides enhanced protection against the flu, ensuring that older adults have the best possible defense.
Getting vaccinated is especially important for older individuals, as they are at a higher risk of developing severe complications from the flu. By ensuring that they receive the appropriate vaccine, we can help keep our older loved ones safe and healthy during flu season.
- You Can’t Get the Flu from the Vaccine
One of the most common myths about the flu vaccine is that it can give you the flu. This is simply not true! The flu vaccine contains an inactivated (dead) virus, which means it cannot cause the flu.
When you receive the flu shot, your body recognizes the dead virus and builds immunity by creating antibodies. If exposed to it later, this process prepares your immune system to fight off the flu virus. While some people may experience mild side effects like soreness at the injection site, a headache, or a low-grade fever, these symptoms are much less severe than the actual flu.
- Updated Vaccines Each Year
The flu virus is constantly changing, which is why it’s essential to get vaccinated every year. Before each flu season, the CDC monitors which strains of the flu are most likely to circulate. They then update the vaccine to include the most relevant strains.
Vaccinating annually ensures your body is prepared to fight off the most common flu viruses circulating that year. Even if you got vaccinated last year, getting your flu shot again this year is crucial to maintain the best possible protection.
- Mild Side Effects
While some people may be concerned about side effects from the flu shot, it’s essential to understand that most side effects are mild and temporary. Common side effects include:
- Soreness at the injection site
- Low-grade fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
These side effects typically last only a day or two. In comparison, the flu can last one to two weeks and includes severe symptoms like high fever, chills, and body aches. Considering the potential discomfort of the flu, getting vaccinated and experiencing only mild side effects is a much better alternative.
- Get Vaccinated Early
Flu season usually begins in October and can last until May. Therefore, it’s crucial to get vaccinated early. The CDC now recommends that individuals get their flu shot as soon as it becomes available.
Once you receive the flu shot, it takes about two weeks for your body to build up the necessary antibodies to protect against the flu virus. If you wait until flu season is in full swing, you may be putting yourself at risk during that waiting period. So, don’t delay—get vaccinated as soon as you can!
- Support Herd Immunity
Herd immunity protects a population by vaccinating a significant portion of its members. When enough people are vaccinated against the flu, the virus becomes much more challenging to spread. This means that even individuals who cannot receive the vaccine—such as infants or those with certain health conditions—are less likely to become infected.
When you choose to get your flu shot, you’re not just protecting yourself; you’re also contributing to the overall health of your community. By working together to achieve higher vaccination rates, we can all help keep our friends, family, and neighbors safe from the flu.
Meet Our Exceptional Medical Expert, Dr. Anu Pani, MD
Meet Dr. Anu Pani, an extraordinary physician at Immediate Medical Care MD. With over two decades of expertise in urgent care and family medicine, she provides personalized and compassionate care to all her patients. Her dedication and commitment have earned her the title of a “Hero” during the ongoing pandemic.
At Immediate Medical Care MD, we prioritize the health of our community, which is why we offer same-day visits for essential medical services such as flu shots and COVID testing. You don’t even need an appointment; simply walk in and have your flu shot done by our experienced team.
Don’t underestimate the power of a flu shot in keeping you and your family safe from illnesses this flu season. Vaccination has numerous benefits, including preventing serious health issues, reducing sick days, and contributing to herd immunity.
Don’t know where to go for “urgent care near me“? Look no further than Immediate Medical Care MD. As we enter the peak of flu season, taking the proactive step of getting vaccinated is crucial. By doing so, you prioritize your health and protect your loved ones and community. Let’s work together to keep everyone healthy.
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The material on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.