Be Prepared and Protected for Flu Season
Make sure to get your annual flu shot from AFC Urgent Care West Islip as a quick, easy way to protect yourself from this illness, which could potentially keep you laid up in bed for weeks at a time. Flu, short for “influenza," is a serious illness which can potentially lead to a stay in the hospital. In rare cases, it can be deadly. By getting the flu shot, you can also help prevent spreading the flu to your family, friends, coworkers and/or classmates, making immunization important not just for yourself, but for the entire community.
Should I Be Vaccinated for the Flu?
The flu is a very common illness, especially during flu season, which is typically between October and March. Because the flu is so serious, much more so than the common cold, it’s very important to receive a flu shot, especially because it’s so convenient to simply walk in to AFC Urgent Care West Islip and be on your way. Because the flu virus evolves every year, different strains are more prevalent from year to year, meaning you need a yearly vaccine to protect yourself against the flu.
Who should get the flu vaccine in West Islip:
- Healthy adults, especially those over the age of 65
- Pregnant women
- Healthcare providers
- Anyone who has a weakened immune system
- Caregivers of young children
You should not be vaccinated for flu if you have an egg allergy or if you’ve had a past adverse reaction to the flu shot.
Is the Flu Shot Effective?
The CDC conducts research on a yearly basis to determine how well the flu vaccine works against preventing the illness. Recent research has indicated a 40-60% success rate in preventing the flu, and of those who contracted it, their symptoms were less severe. In 2017 alone, the flu vaccine prevented an estimated 5.3 million flu cases.
Don’t put it off: Protect yourself and your family by receiving the flu shot once a year!