Getting a seasonal flu shot can help protect you against the seasonal flu virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting the shot every year. Flu season in the U.S. starts in September and ends in April. The flu shot reduces your risk of contracting the viruses that cause influenza. It prevents about 7.5 million flu cases each year and an estimated 6,800 deaths.
Let us take a look at a few things that patients should know about the flu virus and how it works.
One of the most prevalent myths about the flu shot is that it can give people the flu because it contains the live virus. That is not the way that the vaccine works. It is made using dead or inactive strains of the influenza A and B viruses, so there is no way that the vaccine can lead to a person becoming infected with the flu.
The vaccine is typically injected into a patient’s arms, and it triggers a response from their immune system. The immune system reacts by building antibodies to fight these specific flu strains. The immune system’s response can lead to side effects like muscle aches, fever, nausea, and headaches. In extremely rare cases, a patient might have an allergic reaction to the virus.
Influenza A and B strains are complex infections that are constantly evolving, so some people who get the flu shot might still end up getting the flu. That does not mean the shot is ineffective; it simply means the vaccine did not protect against that specific strain of the A or B virus.
Influenza can lead to complications, especially in kids, pregnant women, and children. However, the vaccine protects patients from about 60% of the viruses that cause the flu.
While COVID-19 and the seasonal flu share similarities, these infections are caused by two different viruses. Unfortunately, that means the flu shot cannot protect against COVID-19 and vice versa.
A person can be infected by both viruses simultaneously, which increases the risk of complications. Getting vaccinated for both viruses gives people the highest level of protection against contracting a severe illness, needing hospitalization, or dying.
This is why the CDC recommends getting a flu shot every year. Like all viruses, influenza is constantly evolving, so there are always new strains to be vaccinated against. Annual flu vaccines are developed to protect against the strains of viruses expected to be most common that year. That means last year’s vaccine will probably not protect someone against the new strains that have developed since then.
Do you need a flu shot? Stop by our Woodbridge clinic to give us a call to set up an appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://hillendale.millenniummedicalcare.com or call Millennium Medical Care Woodbridge at (703) 945-1942 for an appointment in our Woodbridge office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Flu Shot in Woodbridge, VA.
People typically start to notice advertisements for the flu shot as flu season approaches, but it is common for many to brush off this recommendation if they are young or feel healthy. However, the flu shot is a vital part of a comprehensive health plan — and anyone, young or old, can be a good…
Anyone can get a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Whether single or in a long-term relationship, routine STD testing is recommended. That said, it can be nerve-wracking to go in for the first time — or for the first time in a while. Learning about the different methods an urgent care or primary care doctor may…
Your local urgent care center can provide you with the health solutions that you need. Getting the right type of help is important when symptoms occur suddenly. This healthcare facility has the medical personnel and equipment to help anyone at any given time. Here are the details on how you can get fast relief from…
Today, there are a range of options when it comes to pregnancy testing. There was once a time when a pregnancy test was only available through a doctor. However, now you can buy at-home tests in grocery stores that are highly accurate if used correctly.Still, the best way to know for sure and avoid errors…
People typically start to notice advertisements for the flu shot as flu season approaches, but it is common for many to brush off this recommendation if they are young or feel healthy. However, the flu shot is a vital part of a comprehensive health plan — and anyone, young or old, can be a good…
Anyone can get a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Whether single or in a long-term relationship, routine STD testing is recommended. That said, it can be nerve-wracking to go in for the first time — or for the first time in a while. Learning about the different methods an urgent care or primary care doctor may…