Being healthy is one of the greatest gifts in life. Taking care of your body and mind will pay off in a big way as your immune system and general wellness help you avoid illness and stay healthy.

However, infections and other illnesses often have minds of their own and can’t entirely be prevented. Even if you are an otherwise healthy person, influenza can sneak up on you and cause you to become really sick in a short amount of time.

Come see us at AFC Urgent Care Ooltewah for your flu shot! An annual flu shot can help you stay healthy all season.

What Does the Flu Shot Do for Your Body?

The flu is a viral infection, which means that treatment for this type of illness is often centered around symptom management strategies. Since there is no quick fix for a viral illness, prevention is key! The flu shot is reformulated every year to offer the best protection against the circulating strains.

When you get the flu shot, your body is exposed to deactivated bits of the flu virus. This exposure kickstarts an immune response to build antibodies against the real virus. The shot will not give you the real flu, but it will give you real protection from the true virus when you are exposed to it later in the year.

The Importance of This Year’s Flu Shot

• It reduces your risk of death from the flu.
• It can reduce the number of sick days from a breakthrough case.
• It helps you avoid serious complications.
• It can help with herd immunity.

Will the Flu Shot Help Me Avoid Infection Complications?

Yes! While getting the flu shot is not a 100% guarantee that you will avoid infection, it will certainly help manage your symptoms if you do get sick. Even if you have had the flu in years past and it wasn’t that bad, there is no guarantee that this year’s strain won’t cause serious side effects and symptoms.

In some cases, people will suffer an extreme inflammatory response to the virus and develop myocarditis or inflammation of the brain or muscle tissue. That can lead to sepsis, multi-organ failure and even death. A simple flu shot can provide some serious protection!

Ways to Be Flu-Smart This Year

• Get your annual flu shot.
• Wash hands regularly for 20 seconds each time.
• Avoid others if they are sick.
• Eat well and stay hydrated.
• Make sleep a priority.

Come see us any day of the week for your flu shot at AFC Urgent Care Ooltewah.