Flu Season Readiness: When Is the Best Time to Get Your Flu Shot?

The flu (influenza) is a highly infectious viral infection affecting your respiratory system, causing unpleasant symptoms such as a scratchy throat, high fever, labored breathing, persistent cough, Extreme exhaustion, and overall bodily discomfort. Even though the flu is common, it can result in severe complications requiring hospitalization or can be fatal sometimes. The flu season begins in October, hitting its peak in December to February, and lasts as late as May.

Nevertheless, the flu vaccine is a weapon against this illness. Getting the flu shot is important to protect yourself and those around you, particularly vulnerable groups, such as young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems. By getting the flu vaccine annually, you can reduce the chances of getting sick while containing the spread of the virus throughout your peers.

Let us discuss all about flu shots, including the best time for flu shots and how they work to protect you against the flu.

Immunization, a process in which an individual is protected from diseases. It is a crucial tool commonly called vaccination or inoculation. The flu shot is a great defense against the seasonal influenza virus that affects the respiratory system. Though the flu shot is indispensable for everyone over the age of 6 months, getting a flu shot is highly recommended for those with an increased risk of severe illness or developing serious complications.

Though mild side effects like temporary pain or bruising at the injection site may occur, flu shots provide several health benefits, including:

• According to the CDC, receiving the flu vaccine each year remains the most effective way to prevent yourself from being affected by the virus.
• Though it is possible to get the flu post-vaccination, you will not develop serious complications, and your symptoms will be mild.
• The flu vaccine reduces hospitalizations even in high-risk people, such as the elderly, pregnant women, children, and people with chronic conditions, such as lung disease, diabetes, heart disease, etc.
• The flu vaccine reduces fatal incidents in childrens who are considered less immune than adults. It reduces 65% of deaths in healthy children and 51% in those with existing medical conditions.

Different types of flu vaccine are available for your protection against the virus, including:

• Trivalent Inactivated Influenza Vaccines (IIV3)
• Quadrivalent Inactivated Influenza Vaccines (IIV4)
• Quadrivalent Recombinant Influenza Vaccine (RIV4)
• Quadrivalent Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV4 – Nasal Spray Vaccine)
• Quadrivalent Cell-Cultured Influenza Vaccine (ccIIV4)

The flu vaccine's effectiveness depends on various factors. While it is typically more reliable and works best for individuals under 65, elderly individuals and those with specific medical conditions might experience less immunity despite receiving the flu shot. However, those aged 65 and older can get high-dose flu vaccines that can help them develop strong immune responses against flu viruses.

Moreover, if the strains included in the vaccine are matched with the strains causing the illness, the vaccine will be more effective, reducing the spread of the infection by 40-60%. Although the vaccine won’t offer 100% protection against the flu, it lessens the severity of your illness, lowering the risk of serious complications that require hospital stays.

Though you can get vaccination anytime during the flu season, it is highly recommended to get the flu shot as soon as it becomes available in your community, usually in September and October.

The CDC recommends that anyone six months or older is eligible for annual influenza vaccinations. Two doses of the flu vaccine (with a difference of four weeks) are recommended for children between 6 months and 8 years if they receive the vaccine for the first time. After that, they can receive a single flu shot every year. Also, the vaccine is not advisable for those with severe allergic reactions to a previous flu shot.

Not every year, the same strains of flu viruses cause illness. They constantly change, and the flu vaccine is updated yearly, including the strains of the viruses that research suggests will be common during the forthcoming flu season. Also, the flu vaccine lasts 6 months, so you must get vaccinated every year for the best possible protection.

The CDC does not recommend the flu vaccine for:

• Children under 6 months
• Those who develop severe, life-threatening allergies to the flu shot or its ingredients, such as antibodies, gelatin, etc.
• People with a rare nerve disorder called Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)

At One Medical Center, we understand the importance of preventative measures to protect you and those around you from the flu. That’s why we offer high-quality flu vaccines that are affordable and pain-free, meeting the latest safety standards. Schedule your flu shot with us today to stay protected against the deadly flu.

One Medical Center is top-notch urgent care in Clearwater, FL. Our team is committed to provide you with high-quality medical treatments. Visit us today without any upfront appointment to experience world-class care near you!