It’s vital to get a flu shot annually. An annual flu shot can help protect you from the ever-changing virus and the potentially deadly symptoms it brings. A flu shot can protect you and others from serious complications. AFC Urgent Care Boulder & Louisville provide flu shots on a walk-in basis. Additionally, protect yourself from other illnesses this winter with our urgent care services and COVID testing.
When to get your Flu Shot
The most optimal time to get your flu shot is as soon as it’s available to you. Those with health concerns such as diabetes, heart disease, or illnesses that impact your immune system should receive theirs as soon as possible. Children and the elderly should also obtain their flu shots as their immune systems are not as strong as a typical healthy adult.
It takes approximately two weeks for antibodies to develop that help fight against the flu virus. Every year, flu season begins in the fall and will run throughout the spring. It peaks in December and February each year. This means that to get the most protection is by receiving a flu shot by the end of October.
Why It’s Important
Receiving a flu shot is important for a variety of reasons. First, it will protect you from getting sick. While no vaccine is 100% effective, it is the best chance at avoiding the flu compared to other methods. Second, it will protect you from severe symptoms on the chance you do get sick. The flu results in thousands of hospitalizations and deaths each year, but a flu shot can help prevent this.
Lastly, it can help protect those around you. The groups mentioned early are at higher risk of severe symptoms, hospitalizations, and deaths than any other group of individuals. By getting a flu shot, you are less likely to spread the virus to these groups.
Flu Season & the Delta Variant
Most of the country stayed home and wore masks when out in public last year. Thankfully, this ended in a more mild flu season. However, with fewer mask mandates in place, the chance of a deadly flu season is more likely. It’s extremely important to prioritize receiving a flu shot and COVID vaccine if you have not already. It is even possible to get both your flu shot and COVID vaccine simultaneously for added convenience.
Call your local pharmacy, doctor, or urgent care if you are unsure if they provide the COVID vaccine. If you are already vaccinated, visit AFC Urgent Care Boulder & Louisville for your flu shot today.
