When determining the best time to get your flu shot, there are a few factors you need to consider. Your age, your current general health, your job, and your physical location are all factors to consider. We’ll dive deep into the best time for you to receive your flu shot, but first, it’s important to understand why you should get your flu shot.

Flu shots help keep you and those around you protected. 85% of flu-related deaths are in those 65 and older. By getting your flu shot, you add an extra level of protection to this group. AFC Urgent Care Toms River is here to provide all patients with their flu shots this season. We receive the newest flu shot every year and provide them to patients as early as September. Call our center to ensure their availability, and receive your flu shot today!

Symptoms of the Flu

For most healthy adults, their flu symptoms will be mild, and they likely won’t need to be hospitalized. Young children, anyone over the age of 65, and those with chronic health conditions need to be more careful as their symptoms can leave them with complications. Common symptoms of the flu, regardless of your age or health status, include:

• Fever and/or chills
• Cough and chest congestion
• Sore throat
• Runny nose or sinus congestion
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Vomiting or diarrhea (more common in children)

Not everyone will experience a fever with the flu. Some severe cases may also lead to the development of pneumonia, which can leave patients hospitalized. Everyone should receive their flu shot each year, but those who are considered high-risk especially.

When to Get Your Flu Shot

Physicians and scientists explain that flu season typically peaks in February. The earliest that most patients can receive their flu shot begins in September. They have found that while the flu vaccine does lose efficacy over time, it is sufficient enough to last throughout flu season.

There is no way to know when the flu will be in our area, so the best way to avoid getting sick is by getting the flu shot as soon as possible. The flu vaccine takes around two weeks to build up antibodies.

For those 65 and older, it may be wise to receive a high-dose flu shot. This is due to the fact that, as we get older, our immune system is not as strong as healthy adults. Receiving a high-dose flu shot gives an extra boost to the immune system, so severe complications can’t creep in.

Lastly, if you are a pregnant person, someone with a chronic health condition (especially one that affects your lungs like asthma), or you work in a setting with any of these groups, you should plan to receive your flu shot early in the season. It has been found that pregnant people pass along antibodies to their unborn fetus, giving them some immunity once they’re born.