When the weather changes from warm summer temperatures to cooler fall days, we often see a rise in illness cases. Although there are many illnesses that spread during the fall season, the flu is a very common illness that is heavily associated with the fall season. The flu is a viral infection that can easily spread from person to person, which is why we seek a peak of flu cases during the fall season. Keep reading to learn more about how the flu spreads from person to person so that you can prepare for flu season.
If you’re feeling under the weather, walk into AFC Urgent Care Lyndhurst for rapid illness symptom diagnosis and treatment. Our board-certified medical providers are available to provide prompt illness care for patients in Lyndhurst, NJ on a walk-in basis, 7 days a week!
What is the Flu?
During the fall and winter months, you likely will hear references to the flu and the flu shot often. The flu is a common viral infection that affects the respiratory system. This includes your lungs, airway, and sinuses. The flu is extremely contagious from person to person and although it may not be life-threatening to most people, it can cause severe illness even for healthy people. Those with underlying health conditions are at a particularly high risk for developing a severe illness and complications from the flu.
How does the Flu Spread?
The flu is caused by a virus. Viruses are well known to be very contagious. It is important to understand how viruses spread so that you can better protect yourself and those around you from the risk of the flu along with other viral infections such as colds during peak illness season.
The flu can spread in multiple different ways. Touching the same surface, such as a doorknob or faucet, as someone who is sick with the flu can expose you to the virus. It is important to avoid touching high-volume surfaces when possible to avoid coming into contact with the virus. Washing your hands regularly and avoiding touching your face will help reduce the chance of the virus making its way into your respiratory system. Breathing in airborne droplets released by someone who is sick is another way you can contract the flu. These droplets are released when someone coughs or sneezes which is why it is important to stay home if you’re sick.
Should Everyone Get the Flu Shot?
The flu shot is an annual vaccine that is designed to expose your body to the virus that causes the flu to help your body naturally build up immunity against the flu. The flu vaccine does this by injecting a dead influenza virus into your body. Everyone over 6 months old should get the flu shot. The flu shot has virtually no health risks and is proven to reduce the number of cases of severe illness caused by the flu. While you can still get the flu if you get the flu shot, your body will be able to fight off the flu easier which will result in you feeling less sick than if you didn’t have the vaccine.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Lyndhurst for Flu Shots Available on a Walk-In Basis
Prepare for this flu season by getting your annual flu shot. The flu is highly contagious, however, the annual flu vaccine can help prevent the flu and reduce the severity of it if you do contract it. At AFC Urgent Care Lyndhurst, our walk-in clinic offers flu shots on a walk-in basis with no appointment needed to patients in Lyndhurst, NJ, and the surrounding communities. If you’re experiencing illness symptoms, walk into AFC Urgent Care Lyndhurst for same-day symptom diagnosis and treatment. Our board-certified medical providers make it easy to get ahead of your symptoms and help you to get on the road to recovery. Walk-in today!
