Flu Shots

Should I get a flu shot?  

A flu shot is also called an influenza shot.  It is a vaccine given with a needle, typically in the upper arm area.  Each year, the CDC researches the projected strains of influenza that will possibly be prevalent in the following flu season.  While it is impossible to forecast the exact strains with 100% accuracy, the overall protection of a flu shot is better than no protection at all.  

Influenza is a serious disease, and annual flu vaccinations are the best way to protect yourself.  The vaccination can either prevent developing the flu entirely or even lessening the symptoms if you do develop it.  This disease can lead to hospitalization and possible death.  Millions of patients get the flu every year, leading to hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations.  Sadly, thousands will also die from flu-related causes every year.  

The flu vaccine works to create antibodies in the immune system to help fight off the flu viruses.  The antibodies take approximately two weeks to develop, so vaccination should be done in early fall (before the flu season begins).  The CDC recommends getting vaccinated before the end of October.  However, if illness or other circumstances prevent vaccination by the end of October, receiving the shot into January or later can still be beneficial.  

Some children will require two doses of the vaccine to be fully protected.  Talk to the professionals at MaxHealth Family, Internal, & Sports Medicine to find out when you should receive your flu vaccination.