The Benefits of Flu Shots: Stay Protected This Flu Season

During flu season flu season is a time where it’s more important than ever to protect yourself and the ones you love from influenza. There is simply nothing that is simpler or more effective in reducing your chances of getting the flu and the associated complications that accompany the illness: flu shots. We make your health our priority giving convenient, accessible flu vaccinations and make sure you have everything you need to stay well this season at Urgent Care of Texas.

This article covers the top benefits of a flu shot, who should get vaccinated, and why it’s an important part of seasonal wellness.

Why Get a Flu Shot? Protect Yourself and Others

Protecting yourself is not the only reason to get flu shots—you help reduce the spread of flu in your community by getting flu shots. The more people that decide to being vaccinated, the less of an opportunity the flu virus has to spread, and this is what doctors call ‘herd immunity‘. That’s especially important for people more at risk for flu complications, including older people, young children or those with weakened immune systems.

Why Getting Your Flu Shot Is Top Benefit

Getting a flu shot is good for your health, and there are several that you may not consider. Here are some of the biggest advantages:

1. It Reduces Your Risk of Getting the Flu.

The first and most obvious benefit of a flu shot is that it can keep you from getting the flu. The flu vaccine is developed each year to prevent the strains of flu most likely to be circulating, so it’s targeted. There is no vaccine that is 100% effective, but flu shots do reduce your risk of getting the flu by a lot. In fact, those who have had the flu shot generally have milder symptoms even if they contract a different strain.

2. It lowers the severity of the symptoms.

If you do get the flu after having a vaccination, the vaccine can reduce your symptoms. Those who receive vaccinations have a lower chance of serious flu sickness, hospitalizations or pneumonia complications, which can arise from flu infections.

3. Prevents Flu Related Complications

However, the flu can especially affect certain people, such as people aged over 50, the very young, pregnant women and people with underlying illness (such as diabetes or asthma). Flu can get complicated: Exacerbations such as bronchitis, sinus infection and pneumonia can take months to fight off and in extreme cases require a trip to the hospital. One of the simplest ways to prevent getting these complications and stay healthy is with a flu shot.

4. Safe Keeps You and Your Loved Ones Safe

Vaccination cuts the virus’s spread to family members, coworkers, and anyone they come into contact with. Getting vaccinated is a way to step into a safer environment for your entire community, particularly for those who are unable to get vaccinated for themselves.

5. Reduces visits to Healthcare and sick days.

The good news is, getting your flu vaccine can help you stay out of the doctor’s office by cutting your odds of getting sick with the flu. It also means less sick days, less time out of work or school, and a quicker recovery should you get the flu.

Who Should Get a Flu Shot?

Everyone six months and older should get an annual flu shot, unless there are very few exceptions, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Let’s take a closer look at who benefits the most from flu vaccination:

Young children: Flu is more likely to cause serious problems for children six months of age through five years of age.

Adults over 65: Older people commonly have weakened immune systems, and are therefore more prone to very severe flu.

Pregnant women: Getting a flu shot is safe for pregnant woman and can also help protect her and the baby.

People with chronic health conditions: Asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and lung disease can make you more likely to have flu complications.

Healthcare and essential workers: Germs are everywhere for these individuals and so getting vaccinated helps protect them and the people they serve.

When is the right time for me to get my Flu shot?

Flu season usually runs from October through January or later. If you want a shot of protection before the bugs start circling, shoot for your jab into early fall—ideally by the end of October. The vaccine works too — even if you get it in mid or late season it still provides valuable protection.

Flu Shot Frequently Asked Questions

How Does the Flu Vaccine Work?

Flu vaccine is not 100 percent effective every year, as it is based on predictions of the viruses that are expected to cause the most problems in the coming year. But even in years when the vaccine doesn’t perfectly target the circulating strains, it still provides meaningful protection and helps reduce how sick you get from the vaccine.

Will the Flu Shot Give Me the Flu?

The flu shot will not give you the flu. The flu viruses in the vaccine are killed (inactivated) or weakened (attenuated) and cannot make you sick. Although some people may experience mild side effects, such as soreness at the injection site, or a low-grade fever these side effects are temporary and mild.

What Are the Side Effects of the Flu Vaccine?

Mild soreness at the injection site is the most common side effect. Low grade fever or muscle aches occur and some people might get them but they are temporary usually resolving after a day or two.

Is the Flu Vaccine Safe?

The vast majority of people can receive the flu vaccine safely. Vaccines are carefully monitored by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to make sure they are safe and effective. Reactions to the flu vaccine are rare but they can be severe.

How Long Does the Flu Shot Last?

It’s recommended that you get the flu vaccine each year since the flu vaccine lasts about six months and then you need to get it again. Each year you get vaccinated to make sure your body has the latest defense against the most current flu strains.

Urgent Care of Texas: Flu Shots, and More Your Destination

Flu shots to help you and your family stay protected while the flu season is upon us, offered by Urgent Care of Texas. We’re making it as easy as possible for you to get vaccinated and dedicate our team to getting you in and out with the minimum amount of time spent waiting.

Quick and easy appointments: If you want a quick, easy flu shot look up our locations in Arlington, Burleson, or Plano.

Comprehensive care: No matter where you are on your road to wellness, our skilled providers provide a variety of these healthcare services in one convenient location.

Friendly, professional staff: If you have questions about the flu shot or other vaccinations, we’re here for you.

Urgent Care Texas wants you to stay healthy this flu season.

Taking the flu shot is one of the easiest ways you can help protect yourself and your community from the flu this flu season. When you get vaccinated, you’re not only protecting yourself, but you’re helping to make our community healthier, safer. Preventative care is one thing, but not everything, and we’re here to support you every step of the way at Urgent Care of Texas, from the preventative care to the urgent needs.

Ready to get your flu shot? Reserve your flu shot at one of our convenient locations or online to stay protected this flu season. It is time to make health a priority, together!

When you make the choice to visit Urgent Care of Texas, you’re bringing proactivity to the table to help keep you healthy and well. At Help Home Health, we’re here to be your highest level of care…and to make sure you stay flu free all season long.