Between November and December, the holiday rush keeps everyone busy. From grocery runs to Super Carniceria Loa #11 to last-minute trips to Blossoms Designs for a festive bouquet, your schedule stays packed. You were determined to get your flu shot, but a lingering cough or sniffle made you second-guess. Don’t stress—AFC is here to help you make the best decision about when to get vaccinated.

Here’s some reassurance: the flu shot doesn’t give you the flu. It uses inactivated flu viruses, so your immune system gets the practice it needs without causing an actual infection. When flu season hits, your body will be ready to fight off the virus, keeping you healthier through the winter months.

Visit AFC Hixson for a flu shot or rapid flu test today.

What’s the Purpose of the Flu Vaccine?

Flu season can bring serious health risks, especially for vulnerable populations. At AFC Hixson, we advise most people aged 6 months and older to get vaccinated against the flu every year. The vaccine is updated annually to include protection against the most common strains, including influenza A(H1N1), influenza A(H3N2), and influenza B/Victoria in trivalent versions.

The flu vaccine does more than just prevent illness—it also reduces the risk of severe complications, hospital stays, and even flu-related fatalities. If you do catch the flu despite being vaccinated, your symptoms are likely to be less severe.

The science behind the flu shot is straightforward: it helps your body produce antibodies to fight the flu. These antibodies take about two weeks to develop, which is why early vaccination is recommended to provide maximum protection throughout the 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 allows 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 Hixson for quick and effective care.

What Happens If You Catch the Flu After Vaccination?

While uncommon, getting sick after a flu shot can happen for several reasons:

• You were exposed to the flu virus before your shot had time to take effect.
• You caught a flu strain not included in the vaccine.
• A small percentage of people may have a reaction that temporarily affects immunity.

If this happens, don’t panic. Rest, drink lots of fluids, and consider antiviral medications for quicker recovery. AFC can help with testing, additional care, or another flu shot if needed.