Flu season begins in early fall and can last into the spring months. Getting your annual flu shot is a safe and effective way to help prevent the spread of the flu and reduce the chances of developing severe symptoms from the flu. Although healthcare professionals suggest that everyone over the age of 6 months receive the annual flu shot, there are still many misconceptions surrounding the flu shot that cause confusion regarding how effective the flu shot is and whether everyone should get the flu shot. Keep reading to learn more about misconceptions regarding the flu shot.
If you haven't gotten your flu shot yet, walk into AFC Urgent Care Lyndhurst. Our walk-in clinic offers same-day flu shots on a walk-in basis. We are open 7 days a week with extended business hours so that you can get your flu shot even if your schedule is busy. Walk in today, or schedule your visit in advance on our website.
The Flu Shot Doesn’t Prevent You From Getting the Flu
A very common misunderstanding about the flu shot is that the flu shot does not prevent you from getting the flu. The flu shot aims to prevent severe symptoms from the flu and create herd immunity by preventing the spread of the flu. The shot prepares your body to encounter the Influenza virus that causes the flu, it does not completely prevent you from being able to contract the flu. However, if you get your flu shot and then are exposed to the flu vaccine, your symptoms will be mild and short-lived because your body has the necessary antibodies prepared to easily fight off the flu.
The Flu Shot Could be Developed for the Wrong Strain
Healthcare professionals recommend that you receive the flu shot annually. This is because the Influenza virus has multiple different strains. The flu shot aims to target the strain that medical researchers predict will be most prevalent. However, this prediction is made months ahead of the actual flu season, which can sometimes result in the flu vaccine targeting the incorrect strain. However, this does not mean that the vaccine is not effective. The flu shot will still offer some protection and reduce the number of cases of severe illness caused by the flu.
The Flu Shot Gives You the Flu
Perhaps the most common misconception regarding the flu shot is that it works by giving you the flu. This is incorrect and can scare people away from getting their flu shot. The flu shot does not give you the flu. The vaccine works by introducing your body to a dead flu virus. This allows your immune system to recognize the virus and prepare the necessary antibiotics required to fight off the virus. However, a dead influenza virus cannot give you the flu. For some people, the small immune response to the dead virus can cause mild illness symptoms such as fatigue and body aches. Other mild symptoms such as soreness around the injection site are also possible. However, these side effects are mild and will resolve within a day of receiving the vaccine.
Walk Into AFC Lyndhurst for Your Annual Flu Shot Today
Getting your flu shot is important to help prevent the spread of the flu while also reducing the risk of developing severe symptoms from the flu. At AFC Urgent Care Lyndhurst, we urge everyone to get their annual flu shot. Our walk-in clinic makes it easy to get your flu shot, even if you have a busy schedule. Simply walk into the clinic when it’s convenient for you - we are open 7 days a week! We maintain short wait times and never require that you schedule an appointment in advance.
