Why Is the Flu Shot Necessary?

We are so grateful for the advancement of medical science over the years. With so many tools at our disposal to avoid serious illness, we can confidently use these methods to help keep people healthy. This includes the annual flu shot!

In our latest blog post, we highlight the necessity of getting your annual flu shot as soon as possible each year to best protect you throughout the flu season. Our AFC Urgent Care Easley team explains the benefits of the flu shot below, so keep reading!

Do I Still Need the Flu Shot if I Never Get Sick?

Yes! Just because you normally don’t get sick doesn’t guarantee that you will be able to ward off illness for your entire life. The next time you do get sick might end up causing you to become really ill. You just never know how your body will react to the flu or any other illness.

Getting the flu shot as early as you can is a great way to support your health throughout the entire season. While it certainly protects you from serious flu complications, it can also protect the people in your life as well, including small children, older adults or anyone else that is vulnerable to respiratory illnesses.

Potential Flu Complications

  • Pneumonia
  • Serious dehydration
  • Inflammation of the heart (myocarditis)
  • Multi-organ failure

Why Can’t the Flu Shot Give Me the Flu?

The bits of virus that are in the flu shot have been deactivated, meaning they do not contain the components needed in order to make you sick from the flu. It is simply not possible! It is possible, however, to feel tired or achy for a day or so after getting your vaccine.

This is just your body’s natural reaction to the deactivated virus! It kicks into high gear to create those important antibodies that will fend off the actual flu virus later. Once you form those antibodies, your body works hard to protect you from influenza every day.

Flu Symptoms to Watch For

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Body aches

It isn’t too late to get your flu shot! Come see us at AFC Urgent Care Easley.