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.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Flu Shot in Woodbridge, VA.
Curing a common cold is always at the top of the list of every healthcare professional. But until now, there is still no universal cure for this type of upper respiratory tract infection. Urgent care facilities focus on treating each symptom. If you want to know more about the common cold and its fever reducers,…
As people become more educated about their health, they are increasingly seeking preventative health care. Regular checkups from a family practice are an important way to detect diseases or potentially harmful health conditions early enough to implement effective treatments and avoid complications.A family physician is a valuable part of an overall health and wellness strategy…
The common cold or allergies: many people wonder which they have when certain symptoms come up. Both can affect people of all ages and can be miserable to deal with. Viruses cause colds, while allergies are the immune system’s response to a substance. There are ways to manage colds and allergies. Still, it is helpful…
If you never get the common cold, you are in rare company. A cold is a sickness that just about everyone will deal with each year. Its seriousness can range widely from minor to severe and everything in between. You may be able to carry on with regular activities, or you may be so sick…
Curing a common cold is always at the top of the list of every healthcare professional. But until now, there is still no universal cure for this type of upper respiratory tract infection. Urgent care facilities focus on treating each symptom. If you want to know more about the common cold and its fever reducers,…
As people become more educated about their health, they are increasingly seeking preventative health care. Regular checkups from a family practice are an important way to detect diseases or potentially harmful health conditions early enough to implement effective treatments and avoid complications.A family physician is a valuable part of an overall health and wellness strategy…