Walk-in Flu Shot Vaccine in Whitfield County | AFC Urgent Care Dalton

Flu season is here, and it’s time to get your flu shot! AFC Urgent Care is your one-stop shop for prompt preventative care this flu season. The flu can affect up to 11% of the population in any given year and season, so it’s important to get your flu shot on time. Flu season typically starts in early October and concludes in late April, with major outbreaks from November to March.

The flu vaccine takes up to 2 weeks to fully equip your immune system with antibodies, so plan ahead and make sure to get your flu shot this season. We offer more than 9 types of flu vaccines, including alternatives for people with an egg allergy. Don’t put off your yearly flu shot—visit us today and get ready for flu season.

What Is the Flu (Influenza)?

The flu (influenza) is a highly contagious virus that can cause mild to severe respiratory illness. In extreme cases, it can even lead to hospitalization or even death. Symptoms usually last between 5 and 7 days, but you may feel tired or exhausted for a few weeks before you’re back to normal.

If you think you may have the flu, look out for these common flu symptoms:

• Diarrhea or Vomiting (usually in children)
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Cough
• Body Aches
• Runny Nose
• Fever
• Chills

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention. Don’t wait until you’re feeling better to get help—early detection and treatment can help prevent the virus from worsening. Our Rapid Flu Test is fast and reliable, with results usually ready in 15 minutes or less. Once you have the results, our medical providers can prescribe medications that may help prevent flu complications or shorten the severity and duration of the flu.

What are the benefits of getting the Flu Shot Vaccine?

The flu shot is one of the most important ways to protect yourself and your community from the flu. But, why should you get the flu vaccine? And how effective is it? At AFC Urgent Care Dalton, we believe that everyone should get the flu shot if they are able. Here are 4 key benefits of getting the flu shot.

The flu vaccine is the #1 way to avoid the flu.

The flu is a serious illness that can have devastating consequences. That’s why it’s important to protect yourself and your family from the flu. And the best way to do that is by getting a flu vaccine.

The flu vaccine is updated each year to provide the most effective protection against the current flu strains. Studies show that the flu shot can reduce your risk of infection by 40-60 percent. But the flu vaccine isn’t the only way to protect yourself. In addition to the vaccine, there are several other healthy habits you can practice to reduce your risk of infection, including:

• Wash your hands before and after being in public
• Avoid touching your face until you wash your hands
• Wear a mask in public and high transmission areas
• Avoid public areas if you’re sick from any illness, not just the flu
• Frequently sanitize surfaces at work or home (such as doorknobs, light switches, and handles)

By combining the flu vaccine with these healthy habits, you can help protect yourself and your family from the flu. So don’t wait – get your flu shot today and start practicing these healthy habits for the best defense against the flu!

You can lower the risk of severe symptoms, complications and flu-related hospitalization by getting the flu shot.

The flu shot reduces the risk of severe symptoms and flu-related hospitalization. In fact, data from the CDC shows that during the 2010 to 2021 flu seasons*, there were between 12,000 and 52,000 deaths, 140,000 to 710,000 hospitalizations, and 9 million to 41 million flu illnesses annually.

These are alarming numbers, but they do not have to be the case. By getting the flu shot, you can significantly reduce your chance of infection and, if you do contract the flu, you’ll likely have a mild case and mild symptoms with a faster route to recovery than those without the flu vaccine. Don’t take your chances with the flu. Get your flu shot today and protect yourself and your loved ones from the potentially severe effects of the flu.

*Excludes the 2020-2021 flu season due to Covid-19

The flu shot curbs the rampant spread of flu viruses.

The flu vaccine is an important step in protecting yourself and those around you. Not only does it reduce the risk of you getting the flu, but it also helps protect medically vulnerable populations from the spread of the virus.

The flu vaccine works by teaching your immune system to recognize and fight the flu virus. When it does this, it weakens the virus’s ability to spread and limits the number of viruses that can be passed on to others. This means when more people get the vaccine, the risk of a flu outbreak decreases.

Ultimately, getting the flu vaccine is an important step in protecting yourself, your family and your community from the flu. So if you’re considering getting the flu vaccine, don’t hesitate. It could save lives.

The flu vaccine protects people at greater risk of getting the flu.

You or someone you know may be considered at high risk for contracting the flu. While high-risk groups are more susceptible to getting the flu, they are also more likely to experience more severe symptoms, long-term complications, hospitalization and even death.

The flu can be especially dangerous for certain groups and individuals of a certain age or health condition, including:

• Children under 5 years old (Children under 2 are at the highest risk)
• Adults 65 and older
• Pregnant people, up to 2 weeks postpartum
• Asthma & COPD
• Heart Disease
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Compromised or weakened immune systems (including former/current cancer patients & patients with HIV/AIDS)

It’s important for those at high risk to take precautions by getting a flu shot. The flu vaccine significantly protects these groups and is more effective when others around them are also vaccinated. If you’re in one of these high-risk groups, or if you’re constantly around someone who is, make sure to get a flu shot. It could be the difference between a healthy, active winter and a season of sickness.

Is it necessary to get the Flu Vaccine every year?

Yes. The flu virus changes from year to year, and the best way to protect yourself and your family is to get an updated vaccine each year. That way, your body can create the most effective antibodies possible against the season’s most active and aggressive strains. The effectiveness of a flu vaccine only lasts about 6 months, so getting a new shot every year is the best way to stay protected.

If you haven’t had a flu shot yet this year, make sure you get one soon. It’s the best way to protect yourself and your family from the flu and its potentially serious complications.

Who should NOT get a flu vaccine?

Most people should get a flu vaccine to protect themselves from the virus, but there are some people who should not get a flu shot.

Infants under 6 months old and people with life-threatening allergies to common vaccine ingredients should NOT get a flu shot. If you have any of the following illnesses, you should consult with your doctor before getting a flu vaccine:

• Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)
• Egg Allergy (There are alternative vaccines for those with egg allergies)
• Severe Allergic Reactions to Previous Flu Vaccines

If you feel sick, wait until you feel back to normal to receive a flu shot or consult with a physician. Getting a flu vaccine is an important step to protect yourself and your family from the flu, but it’s important to do it safely. Be sure to check with your doctor if you have any of the conditions mentioned above before getting a flu shot.

Possible Side Effects of the Flu Vaccine

While the vaccine is safe and effective, some people may experience mild side effects following their flu shot appointment. The side effects of the flu vaccine are NOT from a flu virus and typically resolve within 24 hours. However, it’s possible to contract the flu even after receiving the vaccine, as it takes up to two weeks for the vaccine to be fully effective.

Common side effects from the flu vaccine include:

• Redness or swelling on the injected arm
• Pain or soreness where you received the vaccine
• Fever
• Body or muscle aches
• Upset stomach

While severe or extreme side effects from the flu vaccine are rare, it’s important to be aware of the possibility. If you experience severe side effects from the vaccine, contact your primary doctor or AFC Urgent Care as soon as possible.

Rapid Flu Testing and Treatment

If you’re feeling under the weather and suspect you may have the flu or flu-like symptoms, AFC Urgent Care can help. Our Rapid Flu Test typically returns results in 15 minutes or less, so you can find out if you have the flu quickly and accurately.

If you do have the flu, we’ll provide the treatment you need to get back on the road to recovery. We understand that it’s never convenient to contract the flu, and we’re dedicated to providing prompt quality care. If you’re experiencing flu-like symptoms but your test results come back negative, our team can help you find an accurate diagnosis and the right treatment plan so you can get back to feeling your best. We’ll discuss your symptoms and personalized treatment plan, call in prescriptions, provide recommendations, and send you home so you can start resting ASAP.

It’s important to follow your treatment instructions and continue to monitor your symptoms. To help prevent the spread of the flu, remember to wash your hands, sanitize your home and avoid in-person interactions, especially with high-risk individuals.

Don’t wait to get your flu shot – visit AFC Urgent Care of Dalton today! We’re here to help you stay happy and healthy this flu season.