It often feels that the holidays, from November through December, keep you on your toes. From grabbing groceries at Loveday Garden Center to picking up a bouquet for a party at Posh Petals Floral Design, the grind doesn’t stop. You planned to get your flu shot this week…and you started to get the sniffles and feel off your game. If you’re feeling under the weather, AFC can help you decide whether it’s safe to get a flu shot and the best time to do so.

Thankfully, the flu vaccine doesn’t give you the flu. Even if your body is already fighting off an illness, you don’t have to worry about catching the flu on top of it. The flu vaccine introduces inactivated flu viruses to your immune system, allowing your body to recognize and build defenses against them. This way, if you’re exposed to influenza in the future, your immune system can quickly identify and attack the virus, helping you avoid serious illness.

Visit AFC Chapman Hwy for a flu shot or rapid flu test today.

What does the flu shot do?

Influenza (flu) is a potentially serious disease. Our team at AFC Chapman Hwy recommends seasonal flu vaccinations for most individuals 6 months and older in the US. The flu vaccine is designed to protect against the season’s researched flu strain. Based on the most common strains, the United States will create “trivalent” vaccines that protect against three different viruses (an influenza A(H1N1) virus, an influenza A(H3N2) virus, and an influenza B/Victoria virus).

Flu vaccines have shown to reduce the risk of flu illnesses, hospitalizations, and even the risk of flu-related death. An annual seasonal flu shot is the best way to help reduce the risk of getting the flu and any of its potentially serious complications. While some people who get a flu vaccine may still get sick with the flu later that season, the vaccine has been shown to reduce the severity of your illness.

Flu vaccines cause antibodies to develop in the body about two weeks after vaccination. These antibodies provide protection against the flu. This is why it is better to get the flu shot at the beginning of the flu season.

When to delay your flu shot:

Since the flu shot works to keep you healthy through vaccination, there are occasional occurrences where it is best to let your body rest before introducing it to the flu vaccine. You might want to postpone your flu shot if you are experiencing:

• A sickness that you would need to skip work for
• A Fever
• If you have Covid-19
• Not wanting to experience your sickness and flu shot symptoms at the same time

Rescheduling is no issue, AFC along with many other health care locations allow for walk in flu shots without an appointment.

When to get a flu shot:

Feel free to get a flu shot if you are experiencing:

• Mild illness or cold
• Sniffles
• A sore throat
• A headache
• Make sure to wear a mask and take normal sickness precautions.

Possible flu shot symptoms

Some side effects of a flu shot can be:

• Soreness, redness, and/or swelling where the shot was given
• Headache
• Fever/ low grade fever
• Muscle aches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue
• Runny nose
• Wheezing

These symptoms are usually mild and will last for a short time, most often for 24 to 48 hours. If you are experiencing long term or severe symptoms, visit AFC Chapman Hwy for quick and effective care.

What if I get sick after my flu shot?

If you got vaccinated and still get sick with the flu, there are some possible reasons why.

• You might have been exposed to the flu virus shortly before you had your shot
• You could have gotten a different flu strain from the common strains you received in your shot
• A small number of individuals can have a reaction to the shot that decreases their immunity to the flu

If you get sick, make sure to care for yourself by staying hydrated, using antiviral medication, and resting up while recovering. AFC can provide you with flu testing, flu shots, or a checkup if you are worried about your sickness.