It seems like just yesterday we were talking about the upcoming flu season, doesn’t it? This year flew by, and we are gearing up for another fall and winter season of the flu, COVID-19, strep throat and RSV.

Getting sick at this time of year is really frustrating, and sometimes it is just not preventable. However, taking steps like getting your annual flu shot can go a long ways toward keeping you healthy!

Come see us at AFC Urgent Care Chattanooga for a quick visit and your flu shot. We explain the importance of an annual flu shot below.

Why Is the Flu Shot Different Every Year?

The flu is a viral infection, and viruses are known to mutate into different strains in order to survive and thrive. Since the flu virus is a little bit different every year, the flu vaccine needs to change in order to reflect that. The vaccine gets reformulated every year to offer the best protection against the most common strains of the season.

That’s why getting the flu shot every fall season is important! Even if you got the shot last year or even had the flu, you probably are not immune to the new strains and you could get really sick. The flu shot can help you avoid illness entirely, or it can reduce your symptom severity if you do wind up experiencing a breakthrough case.

Symptoms of Influenza to Watch For

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Congestion
• Body aches
• Cough

Does the Flu Shot Cause Influenza?

No, it does not. We hear this myth all of the time, and it is simply not true. The flu vaccine contains deactivated flu virus, which cannot give you the flu. This deactivated virus is designed to jumpstart an immune response in your body that will develop the antibodies you need in order to fight off the real infection later.

You might feel run down or tired for a few days after your vaccine, but that reaction is normal as your body is working hard to create those important antibodies. You should feel back to your normal self in two or three days. We offer the flu shot for everyone ages 6 months and up, so swing by for yours today!

Why Flu Shots Are Important

• They reduce serious respiratory illness.
• They are updated every year for the best protection.
• They could save your life.
• They protect your family from exposure and our community from large outbreaks.

If you are wondering if your recent illness is the flu, come see us at AFC Urgent Care Chattanooga.