All you need to know about flu shots
Millions of individuals get sick with the flu every year. While you can generally recover from this, the illness can have serious and fatal complications for some. Children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with long-term conditions are most vulnerable to flu because, among other things, their immune systems are weaker.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms may strike a person within five to seven days after the infection. A flu patient can affect people within six feet away from his presence.
According to our urgent care doctor, the common symptoms of the flu include runny nose, sore throat, coughing, headache and fever. You may have to stay in bed for at least a week or two and skip work or social events. Aside from preventing the spread of the disease, bed rest is necessary because the flu will make you feel lethargic and weak.
The best form of protection against the flu is to get flu shots. On this page, we will tell you everything you need to know about getting your flu shot in Ossining NY.
Benefits of getting flu shots
Flu shots are available from our Westchester urgent care center between October to March every year. By choosing to get a flu shot, you stand a greater chance of staying healthy. They can reduce the risk of contracting flu, especially at the height of flu season, by 40 to 60%.
Flu shots can also decrease the incidence of hospitalization and the risks of complication by 80%. In other words, even if you do get sick from the flu, the symptoms won't be as severe, debilitating or fatal if you had a flu shot.
For pregnant women, flu vaccination enables the mother to pas
s on antibodies to the baby that will protect the baby from illness after birth, especially since it is not recommended for infants to get flu shots in their first few months.
The shots are not just for your protection, but also for those around you who may be more vulnerable to the virus than you are. By getting vaccinated, you're helping contain the spread of the disease.
What else should I know about the flu?
Experts say that the influenza virus is constantly changing. Every year, the virus can drift and shift, thus certain medications might not work to relieve the symptoms.
Although esearchers are trying to develop a universal vaccine that would make flu shots a one-time necessity instead of an annual one, as of yet there is no such vaccine.
This is why it is recommended that you get a new flu shot every year.
What are the side effects of getting flu shots?
The vaccine is generally safe for most people. However, some may experience flu-like symptoms after getting the injection as the body responds to the shots. These include:
- A slight fever
- Headache
- Muscle ache
- Pain and swelling on the area where the shot was administered
These symptoms normally go away after two days or less.It is rare to develop serious side effects from the flu shots.
How long does it take to get a flu shot in Ossining?
It usually takes about 10 minutes to get a flu shot. You can get a flu shot in Ossining within a few minutes without making an appointment.
Where to get flu shots in Ossining?
If you’re in the Westchester area and looking for a place to get your flu shot, look no further than our Immediate Medical Care MD clinic! We offer flu shots seven days a week. Plus, we use the latest technology to ensure fast and accurate results.
We pride ourselves in accurately diagnosing and treating our patients. Work with a caring doctor.
Our experienced staff is ready to treat any acute illness or medical need that is not life-threatening.
Contact us today for any inquiries and to set an appointment. No matter your health needs, we are here to provide the best care for our patients.
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The material contained 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 providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.