Immunizations are an easy, effective way to stay healthy. That includes protection against seasonal influenza, more commonly known as the flu. Understanding the basics of these seasonal immunizations can help protect your health, your family’s, and the community’s. It can also give you a better idea of when to ask a primary care or family doctor about flu protection.
An influenza immunization protects against the seasonal flu. Most patients receive it as a shot in the arm (i.e., a flu shot), although nasal sprays are also an option. Either way, the immunization is seasonal because different virus strains circulate yearly. Thus, researchers from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) use data to predict which four strains will be most common in the coming flu season. That year’s seasonal flu shot will target these strains.
It is crucial to note that the goal of any immunization is to prevent serious illness from a disease. Guaranteeing 100% protection from a virus is not possible. Nevertheless, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that these immunizations make getting the flu less likely by up to 60%. Since immunization exposes the immune system to the prevalent flu strains that season, it also leads to milder symptoms should the patient contract the flu.
Flu shots are recommended for patients six months and older annually in the fall. According to the FDA, flu activity picks up in October and peaks from December to February. However, the flu can circulate well into May, which is considered the end of flu season. Thus, patients benefit most from receiving the flu shot in September. Note that it takes two weeks for the immunization to work its way through the immune system and protect against the flu.
Most family doctors and primary care offices have flu shots available in September. Some have them as early as August. Patients who have missed this window can rest assured that they can still benefit from the flu shot until the end of flu season. Healthcare providers will continue to have immunizations available even into the next calendar year.
Receiving the flu shot or nasal spray is quick and takes no significant preparation on the patient’s end. A doctor or nurse can administer either in only a few minutes.
It is recommended that patients take it easy in the hours after immunization. The flu shot can cause symptoms such as head and muscle aches, soreness, and fatigue. Similarly, the nasal spray flu vaccine can cause headaches, congestion, and a cough.
Want to get ahead of the flu? Visit a primary care or family doctor about the flu shot. At Millennium Medical Care Stone Springs, we help patients protect their health with the flu shot and other necessary immunizations. Contact our Sterling office today to schedule 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.
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