The annual flu shot provides protection against the flu to help prevent severe illness. It is a simple and safe precaution that you can take to ensure that you and your loved ones stay healthy this flu season. There are many misconceptions surrounding the flu shot, which is why it is important to understand how it works to keep you protected from serious illness.
How Does the Flu Shot Work?
A common misconception regarding the flu shot is that it will give you the flu. The flu shot will not make you sick with an influenza infection. It works by injecting a dead virus into your body so that your immune system can identify the virus and build up defenses for it. This built-up immunity allows your body to be better prepared to fight off the virus if you were to be exposed to it, which will ultimately cause the flu symptoms to be less intense and shorter.
Unfortunately, the flu shot does not completely prevent the flu. This means you can get the flu, even though you were vaccinated with the flu shot. The flu shot typically takes about two weeks to create anti-flu antibodies fully. After that, the chances of you developing severe symptoms from the flu are lower, but you still can contract the flu.
When Should I Get the Flu Shot?
Flu season spans from early October to May. It is best if you can get ahead of the flu by getting your flu shot two weeks prior to flu season starting. This will allow your body time to create antibodies without the risk of developing the flu. However, as long as you get the flu shot before flu season ends in May, you are protecting yourself from developing serious illness.
During the holiday season, it is important to consider your health when traveling and visiting family. The elderly, young children and those with underlying health conditions are particularly susceptible to developing severe illnesses from the flu. Getting your flu shot prior to traveling will reduce the risk of you exposing them to the flu virus.
Common Side Effects of the Flu Shot
The flu shot exposes your body to a deactivated influenza virus. This gives your immune system an opportunity to identify the threat and build up a defense mechanism in case you are exposed to a live virus. As a result, you may experience mild flu symptoms for up to 24 hours after you get your flu shot.
Symptoms may include:
- Fatigue
- Body aches
- Chills
- Fever
- Headache
- Nausea
The flu shot is safe and recommended for everyone over one year of age. If you have severe side effects such as high fever, intense vomiting, or symptoms that last longer than a day or two after your flu shot, you should seek medical treatment to ensure you are not having an adverse reaction to the vaccine.
Get Flu Prevention & Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Castle Rock
At AFC Urgent Care Castle Rock, we want to help you prioritize your health this flu season. That is why we offer flu shots on a walk-in basis, seven days a week. If you’re feeling under the weather, our board-certified medical providers are trained to quickly and accurately diagnose your symptoms and create a treatment plan to help you get on the road to recovery. Simply walk into our clinic.
We accept most medical insurance plans and offer low-cost treatment options because we believe in making quality healthcare accessible. You never need an appointment to receive medical care at AFC Urgent Care Castle Rock. Simply walk into our clinic, or pre-register your visit online. For additional questions regarding our clinic, please contact us directly.
