Getting your annual flu vaccine has always been important, but this year’s vaccine is perhaps more important than ever! While sadly the flu vaccine doesn’t protect against the coronavirus, we still strongly encourage you to get your flu vaccine this year. Read on as our team at AFC Urgent Care Sevierville explains why.
Why Get the Flu Vaccine?
The winter months are prime time for the flu, and the flu vaccine works to protect your body against the virus. While the vaccine doesn’t eliminate your risk of actually getting sick with the flu, it does lower your chances of getting it and, if you do get it, it will lessen the severity of your symptoms. Additionally, the flu vaccine works to preserve currently sparse medical resources. Because of COVID-19, hospitals and doctors’ offices are overloaded at the moment. The vaccine is essential this year to free up those resources for the COVID-19 patients that need help the most.
Ways the Flu Shot Helps
- Lowers your flu risk
- Reduces your risk of flu-associated hospitalization
- Is an important tool for those with chronic health conditions
- Helps protect women during and after pregnancy
- Lessens the severity of illness in those that do still get sick
Is There a COVID-19 Vaccine?
There is, but the vaccine isn’t available to everyone right now. Most states have the vaccine at the moment, but they are rolling them out in phases based on a person’s occupation, age and health status. In the meantime, there are things you can do to keep yourself safe from COVID-19, and we’ve listed those below.
Common Health-Safety Precautions
- Avoid large groups of people.
- Wear a mask over your nose and mouth in public.
- Stay home if you feel sick.
- Stay socially distant from those that don’t live in your home.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoid traveling long distances.
AFC Urgent Care Sevierville encourages you to take the necessary health-safety precautions to keep you and yours healthy during the pandemic! If you have any other questions, need general medical care or your annual flu vaccine, reach out to us ASAP!
