While the start of October marks the arrival of fall’s many wonderful elements, such as apple picking, gorgeous weather and the start of the Trailblazers’ season, it unfortunately also means the start of flu season. Although flu season doesn’t peak until mid-winter, there have already been a number of cases reported throughout the United States. The flu will continue to spread all the way into mid-spring, making now the perfect time to receive your flu shot.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everybody over the age of 6 months receive a flu shot each year. Complications from the flu result in thousands of deaths each year, particularly among people with weakened immune systems. This is why it is especially important for young children and people over 65 years old to receive a flu shot. Fortunately, AFC Urgent Care, located in NE & NW Portland, Beaverton and Lake Oswego, OR are stocked all flu season with vaccines.
In order to best understand how essential it is to receive a flu shot each year, it’s important to first debunk the many myths that people have concerning flu shots.
Myth 1: Flu vaccines are NOT safe for pregnant women and small children
FALSE! The CDC affirms that women, at any stage throughout their pregnancy, are able to receive a flu shot without endangering their life, or their unborn child’s life. When a pregnant woman receives a flu shot, they can actually pass their immunity along to their child. Once the child’s 6 months of age, they too can receive a flu shot.
Myth 2: You can contract the flu from the flu shot
FALSE! The flu vaccine is comprised of dead flu virus particles, making it so that you cannot contract the flu. Your body will take these flu particles and use it to build up an immunity. This process typically takes about two weeks. This misconception may stem from individuals who have contracted the flu during this two-week period and mistakenly attributed it to receiving the vaccine.
Myth 3: Contracting the Flu is Better Than Receiving the Vaccine
FALSE! While many people have contracted the flu and recovered just a couple days later, the flu contributes to a number of deaths every year due to its serious list of potential complications. While contracting the flu and then recovering from it does build up an immunity, like with many viruses, receiving the vaccine does so without potentially harming your health.
Don’t believe the myths; get your flu shot today! We offer flu shots on a walk-in basis, proven to prepare your body to combat influenza. Visit us at any of our four centers any day of the week!
