Protect Yourself And Your Family From Cold And Flu
Are you worried about waking up with a scratchy throat and sniffles this winter, too? Imagine enjoying the winter season with a healthy routine, free from a single episode of cold or flu.
Yes! It is possible to prevent cold and flu if you get flu shots before the inevitable sniffle season comes to the shore.
Protect your family’s health during the coming winters without disrupting your busy schedule by getting flu shots at Family Urgent Care on any day as per your convenience. Stay flu-free and healthy all winter!
Read More: 5 Tips for Keeping Your Family Safe this Flu Season
Why You Should Get Flu Shots?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from getting flu is to get flu shots before every flu season. It can help you in the following ways:
- Prevent getting flu, cold, and other respiratory tract infections
- Reduce the severity of illness even if you get flu or cold
- Reduces the chances of medical visits or hospitalizations
- Can be life-saving for children and the elderly
- If you already have lung disease, getting a flu shot can reduce the risk of flu-related worsening of symptoms.
- Vaccinating pregnant women can not only help protect the mother but also the baby from flu infection for several months after birth.
Who Should Get Flu Shots?
Annual flu shots should be given to everyone aged 6 months and above. People prone to influenza infection are highly recommended to get the shot, including the following:
- Children above 6 months of age
- Pregnant women
- Adults aged 50 years and older
- Immuno-compromised individuals
- Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
- People who are taking aspirin or salicylate-containing medication and are aged between 6 months and 18 years.
- People suffering from chronic illnesses, such as asthma, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, and diabetes.
- People who are obese with a BMI greater than 40
Can You Get A Flu Shot While Sick?
It depends on how sick you are. If you just have a mild cold, like a stuffy nose or a light cough, you can usually still get your flu shot safely.
But if you’re running a fever or feeling really unwell, it’s best to wait until you’re fully recovered.
Your immune system needs to be in good shape to respond properly to the vaccine and give you the best protection.
If you’re unsure, stop by or give us a quick call; our team can help you decide the best time to get your flu shot.
Who Should Not Get a Flu Shot?
Although you might assume that flu shots are harmless and can be given to every individual, certain factors, including some medical conditions, prohibit the administration of flu shots. These include:
- Children younger than 6 months
- Individuals with life-threatening allergies to any flu vaccine ingredients
- Individuals who had an allergic reaction to a previous dose of flu vaccine
- Some individuals with a history of Guillain-Barré Syndrome
- Anyone with an egg allergy.
What Is The Best Time To Get A Flu Shot?
The CDC recommends that people receive flu shots by the end of October each year, before the virus starts circulating in the community. The vaccine is effective for about 6 months only until the flu season ends. Also, you need to get it once every year as the influenza virus strains keep on changing. Therefore, flu vaccines are also updated from one season to another.
