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 candidate. The flu can be much more severe than people imagine, and the flu shot may mean the difference between irritating symptoms for a week and an extended hospital stay with the risk of death.
The flu shot is a simple appointment that usually takes no more than 15 minutes, but despite this, it is common for folks to skip this part of their annual wellness routine. The flu shot can keep a patient safe, along with those around them.
The most common reason people skip out on the flu shot is that they believe that they do not need it. The flu is just body aches, headaches, chills, and an upset stomach, right? For some people, this could indeed be what the flu looks like. However, no one can know if a flu strain may be particularly tough on their body and lead to potentially fatal consequences.
Millions of people come down with the flu each year. Of these, the CDC reports that an average of 500,000 will be hospitalized, and from these severe cases, upward of 50,000 can die. While it is true that many of these individuals were either very old, very young, or immunocompromised, thousands were teenagers and young adults. The flu can strike anyone severely, even if they seem healthy.
There are many reasons to get the flu shot, not the least of which is the aforementioned risk of potentially life-threatening consequences, even in someone who is otherwise healthy. The flu shot helps the body build antibodies to fight intrusive flu viruses, leaving patients more prepared even if they should fall ill and making the sickness less aggressive.
However, concern for others is also a valid reason to get the flu shot. The concept of herd immunity comes into play here. The idea is that if most people are resisting the flu due to their vaccinations, the few people who cannot get vaccinated (such as the immunocompromised, cancer patients, babies, etc.) will be safe among those vaccinated and uninfected who do not allow the flu to spread. By getting a flu shot, a person is committed to helping themselves and others.
Getting a flu shot may not be how you want to spend a chunk of your day, but it’s a simple procedure that can do a great deal of good — not just for you but also for the people around you. Our office can see you quickly and efficiently to get your flu shot with the most updated version of the vaccine. Contact us to schedule 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.
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