What You Didn’t Know About the Flu Shot

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the number of flu-related deaths and hospitalizations for the 2017-2018 season were among the highest ever recorded. Each year, flu seasons are unpredictable and with the transition into fall, “widespread” flu activity is just around the corner. To protect yourself and your family from this year’s flu season, it is recommended to receive your flu shot in October, ahead of peak activity in January and February.

Why should you get vaccinated early?

Seasonal influenza typically affects the nose, throat and lungs, causing soreness, congestion and coughing and can also incite muscle aches and headaches, fatigue and fevers, with complications spurring ear and sinus infections, dehydration and bacterial pneumonia. The flu vaccine can help reduce a person’s overall risk by 40% and by getting the flu shot early, the antibodies within the vaccine are given enough time to develop and provide the defenses your immune system needs to fight the virus at the height of its season.

Who should get vaccinated?

The CDC recommends that everyone over six months of age receive an annual flu shot. Pregnant women, children under the age of 5, adults over 65 and people with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes and cardiovascular disease are more susceptible to serious health risks should they contract the flu. It is therefore crucial that these individuals receive a vaccination as early as possible and, because the flu is highly contagious, it is especially important to get vaccinated if you fall into one of these categories or regularly interact with people in one of these groups.

The Flu Vaccination

While the flu vaccine may vary on its effectiveness year-to-year, it still is the best way to prevent the flu and its potentially serious complications. Depending on your age and health, you may have different vaccination options to consider:

• The standard flu shot, which is usually injected into the muscle of the upper arm. It has been used for decades and is approved for use in people six months of age and older.
• A higher-dose vaccine, which is recommended for people aged 65 and older.
• An “intradermal” vaccine, which injects the vaccine into the skin rather than the muscle. This one is available for people 18 to 64 years of age and is injected with a much smaller needle.
• The nasal spray flu vaccine, which has been approved for use in healthy people from two to 49 years of age (except for pregnant women).

While it is impossible to completely prevent the flu, getting a flu shot will not only protect you and your family, but also your coworkers and their loved ones, limiting the virus’ spread within your community. To avoid this year’s flu season, visit your local CareWell Urgent Care center for a quick and easy flu shot.