Fall has begun—and with it, the flu season. Have you taken steps to protect yourself from the flu this year?

Our team at AFC Urgent Care Hixson wants to talk a bit about the single best thing you can do to prevent the flu—get the flu vaccine.

The time is now to get a flu shot. And the best part is that under most insurance plans, the vaccine is covered free of cost or copay.

What Is the Flu?

The flu virus, also called influenza, is an extremely contagious upper and lower respiratory infection that ranges from mild to severe. Every case is different, and a person with the flu might experience a wide range of symptoms.

Flu Symptoms

• Body aches
• Chills
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Sore throat

Who Can Get the Flu?

Everyone is at risk of getting the flu—and guidelines recommend that nearly everyone over age 6 months get the flu vaccine. But certain populations are at a higher risk of the disease, including young children and older adults and those with chronic medical conditions that impact the immune system.

Flu Shot Benefits

• Can save lives, especially in young children and older adults
• Reduces risk of the flu
• Prevents hospitalizations due to the flu
• Protects others around you from getting the flu

Do you still need to get your flu vaccine? Visit the AFC Urgent Care Hixson to get your shot today—no appointment is necessary!