Fall signifies the start of the leaf-peeping season, back-to-school season, and the end of warm weather for the year. However, fall also signifies the beginning of flu season. The flu is an upper respiratory infection caused by the Influenza virus. It spreads easily from person to person and it can cause severe illness for many. Most healthcare professionals recommend that everyone receive their annual flu vaccine in order to protect from severe cases of the flu. Keep reading to learn more about who should get the flu vaccine and how the flu vaccine works. If you haven’t gotten your flu shot yet, AFC Urgent Care Back Bay offers flu shots on a walk-in basis 7 days a week. Simply walk into our clinic for a quick and easy flu shot when it’s convenient for you.
How Does the Flu Vaccine Work
The flu vaccine is heavily advertised during the later summer and early fall months. It is a very standard vaccine that most people get every year to protect themselves from the flu. However, most people probably do not know how the flu vaccine works to protect you. Contrary to popular belief, the flu vaccine does not prevent your body from being exposed to the flu virus. Instead, the flu vaccine works by introducing your body to the virus early so that your body can build up the defenses necessary to fight off the virus. This better prepares your body to fight off the influenza virus if you were to come across it from coming into contact with someone who has the flu.
The flu vaccine does not completely prevent you from contracting the flu. However, the flu vaccine does reduce the risk of severe illness caused by exposure to the influenza virus because your body is prepared with the necessary tools to fight off the influenza virus.
Who Should Get the Flu Vaccine
You can start receiving the annual flu vaccine at 6 months of age. Everyone should get the flu vaccine if they are eligible. It is a safe way to protect yourself from severe illness. However, there are some individuals who may not be candidates for the flu vaccine. This includes anyone who is allergic to eggs because of how the vaccine is produced. If you are wondering whether you are eligible for the vaccine, you should speak to your medical provider. They will consider your family history and overall health to determine if the flu vaccine is the right choice.
Are There Side Effects Associated With the Flu Vaccine?
The flu vaccine is completely safe and is effective in preventing severe cases of the flu. The flu vaccine cannot give you the flu because the sample virus in the flu vaccine is dead. Therefore, there are no significant risks associated with the flu vaccine. Some people may experience soreness in the arm after the vaccine from the injection. Redness around the injection site is also common. For some, mild illness symptoms may occur as your body reacts to the virus. However, any side effects experienced following the flu vaccine will be short-lived and should resolve within a day. If you have severe symptoms or symptoms that don’t resolve within a day then you should seek immediate medical care in the ER.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Back Bay for Convenient Flu Shots in Boston, MA
Protect yourself this flu season by getting your annual flu vaccination! At AFC Urgent Care Back Bay, we understand that you’re busy. That is why our walk-in clinic offers flu shots on a walk-in basis with no appointment required. Simply walk into the clinic when it’s convenient for you. Most medical insurance plans fully cover flu vaccinations but if you have concerns you should contact your medical insurance provider. AFC Back Bay also offers competitive rates for flu shots for patients without insurance. For more information about flu shots, walk into the clinic today! We are open 7 days a week from 8am-8pm.
