During the early fall months, illness cases can skyrocket due to colder weather pushing us indoors and kids returning to school. One way to protect yourself during this time is to get your flu shot. The flu shot is a safe and effective way to prevent the spread of the flu and severe cases of the flu. This article will review common misconceptions associated with the flu shot and go over why everyone eligible should get their annual flu shot.
The flu can cause severe illness. If you think you could be experiencing symptoms of the flu, AFC Urgent Care Edgewater is available to provide support. Our medical staff is trained to diagnose common conditions, including the flu, and treat them accordingly. Although the flu cannot be treated with medications, they will be able to guide you through their recommendations for treatment based on your symptoms. Walk into the clinic today, or save your spot online in advance below.
How Does the Flu Shot Work?
The flu shot works by introducing your body to the flu virus so that it can build up the necessary antibodies to fight off the influenza virus in the future. The flu shot takes about 2 weeks to fully protect your body from the flu, because your immune system needs time to create the antibodies to protect itself from the flu. During this time, and anytime after receiving the flu shot, you can still get the flu. However, you are less likely to experience a severe or life-threatening case of the flu if you get the flu shot, and you also reduce the risk of spreading the flu to others.
Can the Flu Shot Give You the Flu?
The flu shot contains a dead influenza virus. This allows your body to recognize the virus and build up a defense against it. While you do not contract the flu when you get the flu shot, some individuals will experience mild flu-like symptoms for a few hours following the flu shot. These symptoms are not you getting the flu, and they are not contagious. This simply means that your immune system is activating, and it is an indication that the flu shot is working.
Should Everyone Get Their Flu Shot?
The CDC recommends that everyone eligible receive their annual flu shot. Not only is the flu shot a safe and harmless way to protect yourself from the flu, but it also protects others by reducing your risk of spreading the flu. This is especially important for at-risk individuals like young children, the elderly, and anyone who may be immunocompromised and unable to receive their annual flu vaccine.
Visit AFC Edgewater for Your Flu Shot this Fall
If you’re looking for a way to safely protect your family from the flu this year, make sure you get your annual flu shot. Although there are some misconceptions out there about the flu shot, we suggest that everyone receive their annual flu shot if they’re eligible to reduce the spread of the flu.
If you’re looking to get your annual flu shot, walk into AFC Urgent Care Edgewater. We offer same-day flu shots on a walk-in basis at our Edgewater, MD clinic. Simply walk in, no need to make an appointment in advance. We’re open 7 days a week, and work with most medical insurance plans. To learn more, walk into the clinic or give us a call at (410) 956-3394.
