With the summer season safely behind us, people everywhere are breaking out pumpkin-flavored foods and their winter sweaters. With the upcoming winter months comes the long-hated colds and flu.
On average between 5% and 20% of the US population get the flu each year. Not only does this cause much of the population to use sick days, some of which they may not even have, but the spreading of symptoms.
It’s easy to avoid getting the flu this year, especially if you get the flu shot. Not convinced? Check out these 5 reasons to get a flu shot this year.
1. You Can’t Get the Flu From the Flu Shot
One of the biggest myths which revolve around the flu shot is that you can contract the flu from it. Not only is this myth false, but it’s also impossible.
Each year the CDC determines which strains are most likely to appear. Once they determine this, they use a deadened form of the virus to create the vaccination.
Although you can’t get the flu from the vaccine, you may get flu-like symptoms due to a reaction from the shot. The vaccination takes about 2 weeks to take effect – there is a possibility you can contract the virus before the vaccine takes effect.
2. Needle-Free Options
There have been a lot of advancements in the health and pharmacy world in recent years, including needle-free options.
If you have a phobia of needles, you can opt to get the nasal spray. You’re a candidate for this option as long as you aren’t pregnant, between the ages of 2 and 49, and don’t have asthma.
If you don’t want the nasal spray you can also get an intradermal shot. This is a small needle which is available for those between the ages of 18 and 64.
3. You’re Chances of Getting the Flu Decrease
This reason might be an obvious one. Although the flu shot isn’t 100% effective, it’ll definitely decrease your chances of contracting it. The 2015-2016 flu season decreased your chances by half.
Because healthcare professionals tailor the vaccine each year, the effectiveness of it changes. Not only will the flu shot decrease your likeliness of getting the flu but it also decreases the risk of influenza-like illnesses up to 60%.
4. It’ll Protect You for Months
Depending on how early you get the vaccine, it’ll protect you from the flu and other illnesses for longer. The flu shot typically becomes available as early as August, but doctors and other health professionals recommend getting it in October.
Flu season can last until May, so getting it early on ensures you’re protected throughout the entire flu season.
5. It can Save Your Life
We aren’t trying to be dramatic, but did you know the flu vaccination can save your life?
Although many people contract the flu each year, around 200,000 of them are hospitalized due to complications from it like dehydration, bacterial pneumonia, and sinus or ear infections.
Those who become ill from an influenza-like illness may be at risk if symptoms of other health conditions worsen without treatment. In these serious cases, it can lead to death.
Reasons to Get a Flu Shot This Year
Getting the flu shot is beneficial; it can save you sick days at work, and save your life.
There are some misconceptions when it comes to the flu vaccine, many of which are false. We hope these reasons to get a flu shot have eased your mind and will keep you healthy this flu season.
Visit us at Oxford Urgent Care to get your flu shot today!
If you have questions about the flu shot or other health concerns, feel free to contact us so we can help.