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Flu season runs between December and March. Getting a yearly flu shot can reduce your risk for the flu. It can also help you stay healthy all year long, even during flu season.
Here’s more about the benefits of annual flu shots.
What Is a Yearly Flu Shot?
A yearly flu shot is a vaccine that can reduce your risk for the flu. The flu virus changes every year. This means you can get infected with a new virus every flu season.
Every year, scientists develop a new vaccine. The new vaccine is designed to protect against the new strains of flu viruses.
What Do Flu Shots Protect Against?
Flu shots can protect you from influenza, or the “flu” for short. The flu is an infection of the nose, throat, and lungs. It can cause symptoms including fever, cough, and headache.
Many people who get the flu can treat it at home. But some people can get severe symptoms that could land them in the hospital. The CDC says the flu caused 100,000 to 710,000 people to go to the hospital from 2010 to 2023.
Flu shots do not offer 100% protection against the flu, but they can certainly help. Annual flu shots can prevent you from having severe symptoms.
People at high risk of getting really sick from the flu are strongly encouraged to get flu shots. This includes children as young as 6 months old, older adults, and women who are pregnant. The flu shot is for anyone who wants to avoid illness during flu season and spreading it to others.
How Annual Flu Shots Can Prevent Illness and Save Lives
The flu can cause serious illness but can also be severe enough to cause death. Yearly flu shots can save lots of lives, as they can help everyone stay protected. A flu shot can help you protect others, even if you rarely get the flu.
Some people cannot get the flu shot and remain unprotected all year long. Children under six months old cannot get the flu shot. Neither can people who are allergic to the ingredients in flu shots.
Getting the flu shot can protect these individuals and you as well.
When Should You Get a Yearly Flu Shot?
The best time to get a flu shot is before winter. The CDC says everyone should get vaccinated before the end of October. A flu shot could help you enjoy the holiday season even more, especially if it helps you and your loved ones avoid illness.
If you forget about the yearly flu shot, it’s never too late to get one. Many providers will remind you about the flu shot again in December. This is when National Influenza Vaccination Week takes place.
Ask your doctor about when you should get your yearly flu shot. Flu vaccines are available at many pharmacies and urgent care centers. It’s possible your school or workplace could also offer the flu vaccine.
A flu vaccine can provide protection even if you get sick. Do you need help finding a clinic that offers flu shots? Jai Medical Systems can help you find a flu shot provider in your area. Contact us at 1-888-524-1999 and learn more about our benefits and services.