AFC Urgent Care Fuquay-Varina Flu Shots

Flu Shots

Get Protection for the Upcoming Flu Season

Flu shots are available at AFC Urgent Care Fuquay-Varina, located at 1298 N Main St, Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526. These vaccines are designed to protect against the four most common influenza viruses that are expected to circulate this flu season, based on research from the CDC. Flu shots are an important preventive measure to help protect yourself, your family, and your community from the flu and its potentially serious complications.

By getting vaccinated, you help reduce your chances of getting sick, missing work or school, and suffering from the dangerous effects of the flu. Flu shots are not just for preventing illness—they are a key tool in reducing the risk of hospitalization and death from the flu, particularly in high-risk populations like the elderly, young children, and people with underlying health conditions.

Who is a Good Candidate for a Flu Shot?

In most cases, anyone aged six months or older should get a flu vaccine each year. Vaccination is particularly important for those at higher risk for serious flu complications, such as:

• Children aged six months through four years
• Adults aged 65 and older
• Pregnant women
• People with chronic health conditions like asthma, heart disease, or diabetes
• Healthcare workers or individuals who interact with vulnerable populations

Who Should NOT Get a Flu Shot?

There are some individuals who should not receive a flu shot. These include:

• Children younger than six months of age
• People with severe, life-threatening allergies to any ingredient in the flu vaccine (e.g., gelatin or antibiotics)
• Anyone who has had a severe allergic reaction to a previous flu vaccine

If you're unsure whether the flu vaccine is right for you, consult with one of our healthcare providers at AFC Urgent Care Fuquay-Varina to help determine if you should receive the flu shot.

Stop in Any Time

At AFC Urgent Care Fuquay-Varina, we understand that your schedule is busy. That's why we make it easy to get your flu shot when it's convenient for you. No appointment is necessary—you can walk in any time during business hours. If you prefer to schedule ahead, we also offer the option to book an appointment online. We’re ready to serve your family whenever you’re ready to get vaccinated.

Preventing the Flu

In addition to getting your flu shot, here are some simple steps you can take to help prevent the spread of the flu and stay healthy:

• Get vaccinated annually
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• If you’re sick, stay home to avoid spreading illness to others
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
• If you have a fever, stay home until at least 24 hours after your fever has gone without the use of fever-reducing medication

FAQs ABOUT THE FLU AND GETTING THE FLU VACCINE AT AFC

Is it the Flu, a Cold, or COVID-19?

• Cold symptoms usually develop gradually and include sneezing, mild cough, stuffy nose, and sore throat. Colds generally don’t cause fever or chills.
• Flu symptoms come on suddenly and include fever, chills, body aches, headache, fatigue, chest discomfort, and a dry cough.
• COVID-19 and flu can have similar symptoms, but the timing and severity may vary. Flu symptoms typically appear 1-4 days after exposure, while COVID-19 symptoms may appear 2-14 days later.

What Are Some Complications That Can Arise Because of the Flu?

The flu can lead to serious complications, including:

• Pneumonia
• Respiratory failure
• Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
• Sepsis
• Heart attacks or strokes
• Multiple-organ failure
• Worsening of chronic medical conditions
• Secondary infections

Who Is At Risk For Flu-Related Complications?

While everyone can get the flu, certain groups are at higher risk for complications, including:

• Children aged six months to four years
• People aged 65 and older
• Pregnant women
• People with chronic conditions like asthma, heart disease, or diabetes
• Healthcare workers and people in close contact with vulnerable individuals

How Well Does The Flu Vaccine Work?

The flu vaccine is highly effective at preventing the flu, but its effectiveness can vary from person to person and from year to year. Even when it’s not fully effective, the flu shot still offers many benefits, such as:

• Reducing the risk of severe illness and hospitalization
• Minimizing the severity of flu symptoms if you do get sick
• Providing protection to those around you, especially vulnerable individuals

Are There Side Effects From The Flu Vaccine?

Common side effects of the flu shot are mild and can include soreness at the injection site, headaches, muscle aches, fatigue, or a mild fever. These side effects usually resolve within a day or two. The flu shot cannot give you the flu, as it does not contain live virus. In extremely rare cases, a person may experience an allergic reaction, but this is very uncommon. If you experience any severe reactions, contact AFC Urgent Care Fuquay-Varina immediately.

How Long Does It Take To Get A Flu Shot?

At AFC Urgent Care Fuquay-Varina, we strive to make your visit as quick and convenient as possible. The flu shot itself takes just seconds to administer, and with our short wait times, you’ll be in and out in no time!