Flu season starts at the start of fall and lasts through most of the spring, leaving patients in Cheltenham and the greater Philadelphia area vulnerable to catching the virus. Luckily, the influenza virus is easily preventable by getting the flu shot, available at AFC Urgent Care Cheltenham! There are many benefits to getting your flu shot earlier in the season.

An earlier vaccination gives your body time to learn how to fight the virus

Like many vaccinations, the flu shot requires some time for your body to learn how to recognize, fight and defeat the disease. The time between when you receive the shot and when it becomes effective is usually around two weeks. By getting the shot early in the season, you give your body time to adjust before the flu starts to spread, which can make it more effective. Because of the time between the shot and its effectiveness, you can still catch the flu even with the shot if you wait until later in the season. If you get your flu shot early, ask your physician about getting an additional shot later in the season to stay protected through the spring. 

Shorter wait times

AFC Urgent Care Cheltenham prides itself on having short wait times, allowing us to tend to your medical needs in under one hour. By getting your flu shot now, at the very beginning of flu season, you can beat the rush of people who come in as the virus begins to appear in their schools or workplaces, especially at retail minute clinics or your primary care physician’s office. You can even bundle your visit for your flu shot with a physical for sports or your employer for a more efficient appointment. 

You’ll need to worry less about the flu

By getting your flu shot now, you’ll be able to have the peace of mind of knowing that you are protected through the spring. Time off is one of your most valuable resources, and you don’t want to use your days on sick time especially around the holidays. If you catch the flu, you may experience headaches, fever, chills, chest congestion and persistent nausea, which requires an additional urgent care visit for treatment as well as rest. 

Walk-In Flu Shots in Cheltenham, Wyncote & North Philadelphia, PA

If you want to get protected against the flu virus before the season officially begins, visit AFC Urgent Care Cheltenham today! The CDC recommends that people over the age of six months receive a flu vaccination by the end of October for full protection. The flu shot only offers protection for several months, so you will need to get another shot if you got one last year. For more information about the flu shot, please call 215-935-6777.