The Importance of the Flu Shot and Why Everyone Should Get One

Thinking about getting a flu shot this year but not quite sure if you really need one? Yes, you do. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu vaccinations have been shown to have many benefits, including reducing the risk of flu illnesses, hospitalizations and even the risk of flu-related death in children. This fact makes it a good idea for you to not only get a flu shot, but your family members as well. Flu shots can be given as early as the age of six months and are given in hopes of preventing someone from being diagnosed with the flu, also known as influenza, which can lead to experiencing serious respiratory complications.
Things to know about the flu shot
Flu shots offer protection against getting the flu, which is to be avoided, as it can lead to one experiencing serious respiratory infections that can lead to even more health issues or complications. It is important to get a flu shot as early as possible because it takes a couple of weeks for someone to build up their immunity in order to resist the flu if they come into contact with the virus. This makes it a good idea for everyone to have their flu shot given to them by the end of October.
Why flu shots are required every year
The fact that flu viruses change from year to year makes it necessary for everyone to get a flu shot every single year. New flu vaccines are made every year exactly for this reason. While the majority of people should get a flu shot, there are some groups of people who should not get a flu shot before first checking with their primary care provider. One of these groups is people who are allergic to eggs, even if they are only mildly allergic. Another group of people who should not get a flu shot unless they get approval first is those who have had a severe reaction to a previous flu shot.
Flu shot vs. nasal flu vaccine
For those who would rather get the nasal flu vaccine vs. a flu shot, they must be between the ages of two and 49, not be pregnant and not have a weakened immune system. It is also a good idea for those who are interested in getting the nasal flu vaccine to first get the opinion of their primary care provider.
Are you currently in need of a flu shot?
If you are currently in need of a flu shot so you do not have to worry about getting the flu, the sooner you get the shot, the better. There are certain times of the year when getting a flu shot is recommended, making it a good idea for you to take advantage so you can avoid getting the flu altogether. When you have the flu, you are not only going to suffer from the many symptoms that come with having the flu, you are likely to be out of commission for at least two to three weeks. In order for you to avoid this downtime, simply give us a call now to schedule your flu shot.
Are you considering getting a flu shot in the Fairfax area? Get more information at https://millenniummedicalcare.com.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Recent Posts
If you never get the common cold, you are in rare company. A cold is a sickness that just about everyone will deal with each year. Its seriousness can range widely from minor to severe and everything in between. You may be able to carry on with regular activities, or you may be so sick…
Preventive kidney testing can detect kidney issues when they first appear. They allow you and your medical provider to monitor pre-existing conditions and support your long-term health. Because kidney function influences multiple systems in the body, kidney testing provides essential insights into how well the kidneys filter waste, balance fluids, and regulate materials. Kidney testing refers…
The common cold or allergies: many people wonder which they have when certain symptoms come up. Both can affect people of all ages and can be miserable to deal with. Viruses cause colds, while allergies are the immune system’s response to a substance. There are ways to manage colds and allergies. Still, it is helpful…
The common cold can make anybody miserable. You can prevent this by taking zinc. This element can slow down the cold’s development. If you want to know how zinc can help you face the common cold, here are the details.Studies showed that zinc supplements can help prevent sickness in people. Researchers also showed that zinc…