The flu, a common viral infection, affects millions of people in the US each year. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that between 9 and 41 million cases of the flu lead to 140,000 to 710,000 hospitalizations each year from 2010 and 2020.
In other words, there is a very good chance you will end up getting the flu at some point in your life. Fortunately, the flu shot can provide protection and reduce the severity of symptoms.
In this blog post, we'll cover various aspects of the flu shot, including when to get it, how it works, its effectiveness, common misconceptions, and its relation to COVID-19. We’ll also address some key myths and flu shot facts so you can make an informed decision.
When Should You Get Your Flu Shot?
The CDC recommends that everyone over the age of six months should receive a flu shot annually. But when is the optimal time to get vaccinated?
It's best to receive the flu vaccine by the end of October. However, vaccination can begin as early as mid-September. This time frame allows you to build immunity before the flu season typically peaks, which is important to fully protect yourself against the virus.
Where Should You Get Your Flu Shot?
You can conveniently get a flu shot at your local urgent care clinic. Urgent care centers offer accessible and efficient flu vaccination services, ensuring you can protect yourself against the flu without the need for an appointment. Visit your nearest urgent care facility for a quick and hassle-free flu shot to stay healthy during flu season.
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About Flu Vaccines
It’s a good idea to have a solid understanding of the flu vaccine before getting vaccinated. The flu shot stimulates the development of antibodies in your body, usually within two weeks of administration.
These antibodies safeguard you against the specific strains of the flu virus anticipated to be prevalent in the upcoming season. Scientists determine these strains before creating the vaccine, ensuring your immune system is prepared to combat them.
Effectiveness of the Flu Shot
One common question about the flu shot is its effectiveness. The answer varies from year to year, depending on the match between the viruses in the vaccine and those circulating during the current flu season. Several factors, including an individual's age and overall health, can influence the vaccine's effectiveness.
Commonly Asked Questions About the Flu Shot
Let's address some common questions and answers about the flu shot:
Question: Can you get the flu from a flu shot?
Answer: The flu vaccine cannot give you the flu. It may cause mild side effects, such as redness or soreness at the injection site, but these flu shot symptoms are not the flu. In rare cases, some individuals may experience mild flu-like symptoms after the vaccine.
Question: Are flu shots live?
Answer: No, flu shots are not live vaccines. In fact, the majority of flu vaccines are inactivated or "killed" vaccines, which means they do not contain live influenza viruses. Instead, they contain pieces of the virus or a killed version of the virus that cannot cause the flu.
Question: Do you get sick after a flu shot?
Answer: Getting sick after a flu shot is not a common side effect. In fact, the flu shot is designed to prevent illness caused by the influenza virus, not to make you sick. However, some people may experience mild side effects after receiving a flu shot.
Question: Do you need a flu shot if you're healthy?
Answer: Even healthy individuals should get the flu shot. It not only protects you but also helps prevent the spread of the virus to more vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.
Question: Does the flu shot contain harmful ingredients?
Answer: The flu vaccine is rigorously tested for safety and efficacy. It does not contain live viruses, and any additives are present in minimal amounts to enhance the vaccine's effectiveness.
Question: Do you only need a flu shot during a severe flu season?
Answer: It's advisable to get the flu shot every year, regardless of the severity of the flu season. The vaccine provides protection and helps reduce the overall spread of the virus.
What Are the Symptoms of the Flu Shot?
After receiving the flu shot, some people may experience mild side effects. These can include redness, tenderness, soreness, or swelling at the injection site. These symptoms typically last for a day or two and are not the flu itself.
The Flu Vaccine and COVID-19
The flu vaccine does not protect against COVID-19. However, there are compelling reasons to get vaccinated against the flu, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you receive the flu shot and still contract the flu, you are less likely to experience severe symptoms, hospitalization, or death. This is crucial because healthcare resources are strained due to COVID-19, and preventing severe flu cases helps conserve these resources.
Co-Occurrence of Flu and COVID-19
Since the flu and COVID-19 are caused by different viruses, it is possible to have both infections simultaneously. While it's uncertain how common this co-occurrence is, it underscores the importance of testing if you experience symptoms of either illness. The symptoms of both the flu and COVID-19 can be similar, including cough, sore throat, fever, headache, and more.
Where to Get Tested for the Flu
If you exhibit flu-like symptoms, prompt testing is vital to prevent the spread of the virus and initiate treatment. You can undergo flu testing at most healthcare provider's offices or local urgent care clinics.
A qualified physician will gently swab the inside of your nose, and the test results are typically available within 15 minutes. If your test is positive, your provider will recommend over-the-counter medications and supportive treatments. In some cases, antiviral medication may be prescribed to shorten the duration of symptoms and prevent severe illness.
In conclusion, the flu shot is a valuable tool in preventing the flu and reducing its impact. It's important to debunk common myths and emphasize the vaccine's safety and effectiveness.
Getting vaccinated against the flu is especially crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic. Regular vaccination not only protects individuals but also helps alleviate the strain on healthcare resources. If you experience flu-like symptoms, seek testing promptly to ensure proper care and prevent further transmission of the virus.
Ready for your discounted flu shot? CareNow® offers flu shots for only $20. Each of our more than 225 locations is open after hours and on the weekends too, so you can get your vaccination when it’s best for you.
Plus, we have a Web Check-In® feature that allows you to wait anywhere instead of in the waiting room. A convenient visit is just a click away — find the location near you.
We’re also proud to share that we’ve received the title of Accredited Urgent Care Center from the Urgent Care Association (UCA), which showcases our dedication to patient care.