Fall marks the beginning of flu season. The flu is a highly contagious viral infection that can cause severe illness, even in healthy individuals. Medical professionals recommend that anyone over the age of 6 months receive the flu vaccine to prevent the spread of the flu. However, there are differing opinions about when you should get the flu vaccine and whether it is possible to get it too late. Keep reading to learn more about the flu vaccine and how to protect yourself from the flu this fall. Visit AFC Urgent Care Stoneham this fall for all of your flu season health needs including flu shots and illness treatment - all available on a walk-in basis.
When Should You Get the Flu Vaccine
The fall season tends to be busy for most. With the back-to-school season upon us, it is easy to have something small like the flu vaccine slip your mind. This being said, there certainly is a period which health professionals recommend you get your flu vaccine during in order to have maximum protection from the flu. Generally, you want to get your flu vaccine a couple of weeks before flu season is in full swing. This will allow your body to create the necessary antibodies to fight off the influenza virus prior to being exposed to it. However, if the thought of getting your flu shot slips your mind, flu season can stretch into the spring season so late is better than never.
Are There Risks Associated with the Flu Vaccine?
The flu vaccine has almost no risks associated with it. Healthcare professionals have long confirmed that the flu shot is completely safe and an effective measure to help prevent both the spread of the flu and the number of severe flu cases. This being said, there are some individuals who may not be eligible to receive the flu vaccine due to health concerns. You should always speak to your doctor about whether it is safe for you to get the flu vaccine, however, the overall risk associated with getting your annual flu shot is extremely low. Some people may experience mild symptoms such as redness and soreness at the injection site or mild illness symptoms for 12 hours after getting your flu shot.
Does the Flu Vaccine Prevent You From Getting the Flu?
In order to understand why you should get your flu shot early in the season, it may help to understand how the flu shot works to protect you from the flu. The flu is caused by the influenza virus. Viruses are not treatable with medications such as antibiotics. Instead, your body has to fight the virus off on its own. The flu shot aims to introduce your body to the flu vaccine using a tiny amount of a dead influenza virus. This exposure will introduce your immune system to the virus, allowing it to create the necessary antibodies to fight off the virus before it is even exposed to the virus in real life.
The flu vaccine does not completely prevent you from getting the flu. Instead, it prepares your body accordingly for potential exposure to the influenza virus so that if you do contract the flu your symptoms will be less severe.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Stoneham for Flu Shots Available on a Walk-In Basis in Stoneham, MA
Getting your flu shot is an essential step to protect yourself and your family from a severe case of the flu. At AFC Urgent Care Stoneham, we make it convenient to get your flu shot by offering flu shots on a walk-in basis, 7 days a week. If you’re in need of a flu shot, walk into AFC Urgent Care Stoneham for quick and convenient care. Our clinic also offers same-day illness care for flu symptoms to help ensure that you make a quick recovery if you do catch the flu. Walk into the clinic today!
