As the leaves change and the temperatures drop, the annual questions about flu season begins again. Some people wonder, “Do I really need a flu shot every year?” The short answer is yes, and this blog will explain why getting a flu shot annually is crucial for your health and the health of those around you.
For your annual flu shot, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Livingston. We focus on making flu vaccination easy, seven days a week. Just walk-in today– no appointment necessary!
The Flu: Causes and Symptoms
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can range from mild to severe illness, and even lead to death in some cases. Knowing the causes and symptoms of the flu is an important way to understand how crucial prevention is.
Common symptoms of the flu include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
- Nausea
Understanding the Changing Nature of the Influenza Virus
The influenza virus is notorious for its ability to change and mutate rapidly. This means that the strains of flu viruses circulating this year may differ significantly from those in the previous year. In response to the constant change, healthcare experts closely monitor the virus and its variants to develop an effective vaccine. The flu shot is updated each year to match the predominant strains of the virus that are expected to circulate during the upcoming flu season. This approach ensures that the vaccine provides the best protection against the specific virus you may be exposed to. Simply put– yes, it’s crucial to receive an updated flu shot every year in order to best prevent flu-like illness.
Protecting Vulnerable Individuals
Maybe you’ve gotten the flu before, and for you the virus “wasn’t too bad.” However, influenza can be a serious illness– especially for certain vulnerable populations. These people include young children, the elderly, pregnant women, those with weakened immune systems, and those with underlying health conditions. These groups are more likely to experience severe complications from the flu, such as pneumonia, hospitalization, and even death.
Getting an annual flu shot not only protects you but also helps create “herd immunity.” When a large majority of the population is vaccinated against the flu, it reduces the overall transmission of the virus, making it less likely that vulnerable individuals will be exposed. By getting vaccinated each year, you contribute to the well-being of your community and help safeguard those who are at risk.
Get a Walk-in Flu Shot at AFC Urgent Care Livingston
Don’t leave your health up to chance. Visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Livingston for your annual flu shot today! We provide flu vaccinations for the whole family, so all of your loved ones can walk-in together. The center is open seven days a week and never requires appointments for flu shots or other services we provide. We accept most health insurance plans and offer discounted rates for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about flu shots, or other services we provide, please call us directly at (973) 601-2626.
