Getting a seasonal flu shot can help protect you against the seasonal flu virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting the shot every year. Flu season in the U.S. starts in September and ends in April. The flu shot reduces your risk of contracting the viruses that cause influenza. It prevents about 7.5 million flu cases each year and an estimated 6,800 deaths.
Let us take a look at a few things that patients should know about the flu virus and how it works.
One of the most prevalent myths about the flu shot is that it can give people the flu because it contains the live virus. That is not the way that the vaccine works. It is made using dead or inactive strains of the influenza A and B viruses, so there is no way that the vaccine can lead to a person becoming infected with the flu.
The vaccine is typically injected into a patient’s arms, and it triggers a response from their immune system. The immune system reacts by building antibodies to fight these specific flu strains. The immune system’s response can lead to side effects like muscle aches, fever, nausea, and headaches. In extremely rare cases, a patient might have an allergic reaction to the virus.
Influenza A and B strains are complex infections that are constantly evolving, so some people who get the flu shot might still end up getting the flu. That does not mean the shot is ineffective; it simply means the vaccine did not protect against that specific strain of the A or B virus.
Influenza can lead to complications, especially in kids, pregnant women, and children. However, the vaccine protects patients from about 60% of the viruses that cause the flu.
While COVID-19 and the seasonal flu share similarities, these infections are caused by two different viruses. Unfortunately, that means the flu shot cannot protect against COVID-19 and vice versa.
A person can be infected by both viruses simultaneously, which increases the risk of complications. Getting vaccinated for both viruses gives people the highest level of protection against contracting a severe illness, needing hospitalization, or dying.
This is why the CDC recommends getting a flu shot every year. Like all viruses, influenza is constantly evolving, so there are always new strains to be vaccinated against. Annual flu vaccines are developed to protect against the strains of viruses expected to be most common that year. That means last year’s vaccine will probably not protect someone against the new strains that have developed since then.
Do you need a flu shot? Stop by our Sterling clinic to give us a call to set up an appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://stonesprings.millenniummedicalcare.com or call Millennium Medical Care Stone Springs at (703) 665-3242 for an appointment in our Sterling office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Flu Shot in Sterling, VA.
You have almost certainly had the common cold before, like just about everyone else. This illness can be tiring and annoying, but it often does not require much medical attention. A cold will frequently have minor or moderate symptoms and go away on its own. However, sometimes the sickness can progress and cause other problems.…
It should not surprise you if you get the common cold this year. The illness is appropriately named; it may be the most common sickness that people encounter. Just about anyone is familiar with colds and what this condition feels like. There are many symptoms and effects, including the production of mucus. However, this should…
The common cold is appropriately named. This illness is perhaps the most common health problem that people experience. It will affect individuals of all ages, including babies and the oldest patients. You have almost certainly had your share of colds in the past. The good news is that there are ways to minimize your risks…
Struggling with the common cold is something that just about everyone will experience at some point. Yearly bouts with a cold are highly likely, as most people get at least one every 12 months. It is extremely contagious and caused by one of three viruses through close contact. Some people have mild symptoms, but that…
You have almost certainly had the common cold before, like just about everyone else. This illness can be tiring and annoying, but it often does not require much medical attention. A cold will frequently have minor or moderate symptoms and go away on its own. However, sometimes the sickness can progress and cause other problems.…
It should not surprise you if you get the common cold this year. The illness is appropriately named; it may be the most common sickness that people encounter. Just about anyone is familiar with colds and what this condition feels like. There are many symptoms and effects, including the production of mucus. However, this should…