AH-CHOO!

Oh, no! Are you starting to experience the symptoms of the flu? But, wait—you just got a flu shot, so how can you be experiencing flu symptoms?

Our team at AFC Urgent Care Portland wants you to better understand how the flu vaccine works, as well as put an end to the myth about the flu shot giving you flu.

Does the Flu Vaccine Work?

Although researchers would like to think they have the perfect formula for fighting the flu every season, that’s just not the case. They essentially have to guess at which strains of the flu will be most prevalent in a given year.

That means that sometimes when you get the flu shot, you may still end up with another strain of the flu. However, getting the flu vaccine is still your best method of preventing both the flu and serious health complications from the flu.

Flu Prevention

• Get an annual flu shot before the flu season begins.

• Wash your hands regularly.

• Disinfect commonly touched surfaces often.

• Get plenty of sleep.

• Eat a balanced diet.

• Exercise regularly.

Can the Flu Shot Give Me the Flu?

No, it can’t. This is a stubborn myth, but it is absolutely a myth.

It persists because it is possible to get the flu in the couple weeks following vaccination. That’s because it takes two weeks for your body to build up antibodies against the flu—so if you’re exposed to the flu virus in the interim, you may come down with it.

Symptoms of the Flu

• Body aches

• Cough

• Fatigue

• Fever

• Headaches

• Runny or stuffy nose

• Sore throat

Do you think you might be coming down with the flu? Visit us today for a medical evaluation!