Walk-in Flu Shot Vaccine | AFC Urgent Care Arden

Flu season is here, and AFC Urgent Care has flu shots for you. It’s important to get your shot on time since the flu can affect up to 11% in any given year or flu season. Flu season typically lasts from October to April in the U.S., peaking in December and February. During this peak, there is a significant increase in reported flu cases.

It takes up to two weeks for the flu vaccine to correctly equip your immune system with the necessary antibodies, so it is essential to prepare in advance and make sure you get your flu shot this season. We offer nine types of flu vaccines, including options for individuals with an egg allergy. Don’t postpone your yearly flu shot. Visit us today and get ready for this year's flu season.

What Is the Flu (Influenza)?

Flu, commonly known as the flu, is an extremely contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. It is spread through coughing, sneezing, and contact with those who have been infected. The flu may be mild or severe and potentially life-threatening, particularly for those considered high-risk for the flu. To prevent the flu, people can get vaccinated, wash their hands regularly and avoid close contact with people who are sick.

What are common flu symptoms?

Those suffering from the flu may experience the following symptoms:

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you should go to the doctor right away. Don’t just wait until you’re feeling better – quick detection and treatment can help stop the virus from getting worse. Our Rapid Flu Test is quick and reliable, plus you get results fast – usually within 15 minutes. When you have the results, our medical providers can prescribe medications that may help prevent flu complications or lessen the intensity and duration of your flu symptoms.

What are the benefits of the Flu Shot Vaccine?

The flu shot is crucial for your and your community’s health. So why should you get the flu shot? Does it even work? AFC Urgent Care Arden recommends that everyone who can get the flu shot gets one. Here are 4 benefits of getting the flu shot vaccine.

1. The flu shot is the #1 defense against the flu virus.

The flu is a serious illness that can have severe effects on your health. That’s why it’s essential to guard yourself and your family against the flu. The most effective way to do that is by getting a flu vaccine.

Each year, the flu vaccine is adapted to protect against each season’s most prevalent and current virus strains. Research suggests the flu shot is able to decrease the chance of infection by 40-60 percent. However, the flu vaccine is not the only way to protect yourself. In addition to the vaccine, there are numerous healthy habits to incorporate into your daily routine that can reduce your risk of infection:

In order to give yourself and your family the best defense against the flu, you should get a flu shot and practice these healthy habits. Combining the two will help you stay healthy and avoid a serious case of the flu.

2. The flu shot can reduce the severity of the illness.

The flu shot substantially reduces the possibility of serious flu symptoms and flu-related hospitalization. According to CDC figures from the 2010 to 2021 flu seasons*, the number of deaths were between 12,000 and 52,000, hospitalizations between 140,000 to 710,000 and flu illnesses ranged from 9 million to 41 million annually.

These are troubling figures, but they can be avoided. By taking the flu shot, you can significantly reduce your risk of catching the virus, and if you do, you’ll most likely have a milder case and quicker recovery than those who didn’t get the flu vaccine. Don’t take the risk; protect yourself and your family from the possible consequences of the flu and get your flu shot today.

*Excludes the 2020-2021 flu season due to Covid-19

3. The flu shot reduces the rampant spread of flu viruses.

Taking the flu vaccine is an essential step in protecting yourself and those around you against the flu. Not only does it lower the chance of getting the flu, but it also aids in preventing medically vulnerable populations from contracting the virus.

The flu vaccine teaches your body’s defense system to identify and battle the flu virus. This limits the virus’s potential to pass around and reduces the number of viruses that can be transferred to other people. This implies that when more people get vaccinated, the likelihood of a flu outbreak decreases.

Ultimately, getting the flu vaccine is a necessary step in helping your community from a severe flu outbreak. If you’re considering getting the flu vaccine, don’t wait. It could save lives.

4. Getting the flu vaccine protects vulnerable populations.

You or someone close to you may be deemed to be at high risk for the flu. Although members of high-risk groups are more likely to be infected by the flu, they are also more susceptible to more intense symptoms, long-term damage, hospitalization and even death.

The flu can be especially dangerous for people of a certain age or those with the following health conditions:

It is critical for people considered at high risk for the flu to take proactive steps by getting a flu shot. The flu vaccine is highly beneficial to these groups and is even more successful when others around them are also vaccinated. If you are in one of these high-risk groups or if you are frequently around someone who is, seriously consider getting a flu shot. It could be the difference between an active winter and a time of sickness.

Do I need a Flu Shot every year?

Yes. The flu virus is always evolving, and the most viable solution to protect yourself and your loved ones is to obtain a current vaccine each year. This enables your body to generate the most effective antibodies against the season’s most active and severe forms. The flu vaccine is only valid for approximately 6 months, so getting a new shot each year is the most reliable way to stay protected against the virus each flu season.

If you haven’t obtained a flu shot yet this year, get one soon to protect yourself and your family from the flu and its potential consequences.

Who should NOT get a flu vaccine?

Generally, people should get a flu vaccine to safeguard themselves from the virus, but there are some exceptions for some people who shouldn’t get a flu shot.

Infants 6 months and younger and those with life-threatening allergies to common vaccine ingredients should NOT receive a flu shot. If you have any of the following illnesses, consult with your doctor before getting a flu shot:

Possible Side Effects of the Flu Vaccine

While the vaccine is both safe and effective, a few people may experience some minor side effects after they get their flu shot. Any side effects of the flu vaccine are not related to the flu virus and typically subside within 24 hours. It is possible to contract the flu virus even after receiving the vaccine since it takes two weeks for the vaccine to be fully effective.

Common side effects from the flu vaccine include:

Although severe or extreme side effects from the flu vaccine are not likely, it is essential to be aware of their potential. If you experience severe side effects from the vaccine, contact your primary health care provider or AFC Urgent Care ASAP.

Rapid Flu Testing and Treatment

If you think you have the flu or flu-like symptoms, AFC Urgent Care can help. Our Rapid Flu Test returns accurate results in 15 minutes or less. If you have the flu, we’ll provide the treatment you need to feel better. We know it’s never convenient to get sick, so we’re committed to giving you prompt and efficient care. If you have flu-like symptoms but your test results are negative, our team can help you find the right diagnosis and treatment. We’ll go over your symptoms, create a treatment plan, call in prescriptions and provide aftercare instructions.

It’s critical to follow the treatment instructions and keep track of your symptoms. To keep the flu from spreading to others, remember to wash your hands, sanitize your house and avoid in-person interactions, especially with people who are medically vulnerable.

Ready to get the flu vaccine? Visit AFC Urgent Care Arden to get your flu shot today with no appointment necessary. Contact our office for more information or concerns regarding your flu shot.