Fighting off flu symptoms like fever, aches, chills, fatigue, congestion and more is the opposite of fun. Even if you've never had the flu before, it's best to get your flu shot every flu season to protect yourself and others. With COVID-19 with us for another flu season, annual flu vaccination is even more important.
Getting your flu shot every year matters for many reasons
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. Even the healthiest of people who come down with the flu can be sick for two weeks or longer. It can cause pneumonia or aggravate an existing chronic disease, and serious cases can lead to a hospital stay or even death.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends that everyone over the age of six months get vaccinated against the flu every year, with rare exception. The vaccine is especially important for infants, children, the elderly and people with certain chronic diseases, as these groups are at high risk for flu-related complications.
Here's why you should get the flu shot this year and every year:
Last season's flu season (2020-2021) was unusually mild as vaccines, face masks, staying home, hand washing, school closures, reduced travel, physical distancing, and increased ventilation of indoor space reduced the spread. However, this year may not be the same with decreased precautions.
Early COVID-19 infection can easily be confused with the flu. Vaccination can decrease your stress of potential infection and decrease the burden on the healthcare system.
Last season's vaccine may not protect you from this season's flu virus, because circulating flu viruses can differ from season to season.
Getting your flu shot doesn't just protect you, it also protects those closest to you and individuals with vulnerable immune systems.
The vaccine protects women during pregnancy and continues to protect the baby for up to four months after birth.
The flu vaccine cannot give you the flu
Though the flu vaccine may cause minor side effects like discomfort at the injection site, a mild fever, or aches, it cannot give you the flu. It takes about two weeks for the shot to take full effect, so it's a good idea to get your vaccine as soon as it is available, preferably before November when the flu typically begins to spread through your community.
Flu season lasts longer than you think
The flu can begin circulating by October in the United States, but peak activity typically occurs in January. Though flu cases often decline by spring, the flu season can continue into May.
Although the flu vaccine doesn't provide 100 percent protection from the virus, it is still the best way to protect yourself from the flu. Even if the viruses in the vaccine don't match the circulating virus, it can still protect you and prevent flu-related complications.
Schedule an appointment online with a primary care physician to talk about vaccinations for your family, or visit one of our Urgent Care Centers.