According to the CDC, the flu shot is generally between 19% and 60% effective in preventing illness. If you’ve had the flu before, you can get it again, which is why you should receive an annual flu vaccination.
Each year, the types of flu (typically A or B) vary, and the vaccine is designed to best match the currently circulating strains. Only individuals with a life-threatening allergy to vaccine components (such as a severe egg allergy), patients with GBS (or Guillain-Barré Syndrome), and infants six months and younger should not have the flu shot every year.
At MiDoctor Health, we offer general and all-around medical and health services. As primary care and urgent care specialists, our key focus lies in preventative medicine. We treat a wide range of common conditions that do not necessitate seeing an in-person provider. Online visits can be done at a low cost, with or without insurance. This article discusses the flu shot and why it is crucial to get one every year.
Why do you need to get a flu shot?
The flu is infectious and spreads readily through droplets from coughing or sneezing sick individuals. Direct contact with an infected individual, such as sharing a drinking glass, can potentially transfer the flu virus. Flu can be spread before symptoms appear and up to five days after symptoms have disappeared.
You might be exposed to the flu virus without knowing it, and a flu vaccination protects you. Flu vaccination can help you avoid getting the flu, lessen the severity of your symptoms, and lower your chances of needing hospitalization if you do get the flu.
Each year, millions of people contract the flu, and tens of thousands die as a result of it. The flu vaccination can save you from becoming sick this season and protects individuals at high risk of flu complications or who cannot obtain the vaccine.
Adults 65 and older, young children, children with neurologic disorders, pregnant women, and people with asthma, heart disease, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, or cancer are all more likely to suffer potentially fatal complications from the seasonal flu. The complications include pneumonia, bronchitis, ear infections, and sinus infections. Some problems may necessitate hospitalization or even death.
Getting a flu vaccination will protect you and others by creating “herd immunity”. When enough of the population is vaccinated, it prevents these conditions from exponentially spreading.
Benefits of the Flu Shot
- Decreases your risk of getting the flu
- Reduces the likelihood of complications if you acquire the flu.
- Protects vulnerable populations by reducing the overall number of cases and exposure among them, including individuals with chronic illnesses, autoimmune diseases, pregnant women and the elderly
- Protects people who are unable to obtain a vaccination by minimizing the total number of cases and exposure
What is the difference between the flu and COVID-19?
Infectious respiratory illnesses like influenza and COVID-19 are caused by different viruses, although they share specific symptoms. The flu and COVID-19 have several symptoms, including fever, chills, fatigue, and muscular or body aches. During flu season, it may be challenging to determine whether someone is sick with COVID-19 or the flu, so testing will often be required.
Why is it necessary to get a flu shot during COVID-19?
COVID-19 has put a significant burden on healthcare systems all around the world. Healthcare systems will face higher patient volumes and pressure when flu cases rise. The flu vaccination can lower the number of people who catch the flu while reducing flu symptoms and severe disease in those who get the virus. Fewer flu cases will minimize the burden on the healthcare system and allow medical staff to continue caring for COVID-19 patients. The necessity of getting a flu vaccination during COVID-19 cannot be overstated. You can protect yourself and others by obtaining a flu shot.
When should you get a flu shot?
While flu infections are recorded throughout the US, flu activity often begins in the fall and continues into the spring, peaking from December to February. Getting the vaccine in the fall in the US, or typically before flu season in your area, is recommended. It takes approximately two weeks for your body to develop total protection against the flu.
Vaccine and Immunization Services Available in New York
If you or a loved one are looking for help relating to the flu vaccine, COVID-19 vaccine or other immunizations offered at MiDoctor, the team at MiDoctor has the solution!
Call our offices to speak with a representative from our team, or schedule an appointment online today!
