Flu shots, also known as influenza vaccines, protect against seasonal flu. The influenza virus has four main types: A, B, C, and D, with the A and B viruses causing the majority of “flu seasons.” There are different strains of each type that can change every year. Each year, flu vaccines are developed to target circulating strains. A flu shot takes about two weeks to build immunity, but you can still benefit from it even if you don’t get it until later in the season. This article will discuss why people should get flu shots, the benefits they provide, and more. So, keep reading!
Should You Get The Flu Shot
Yes, everyone should get a flu vaccination. Getting a flu shot can help you avoid getting the flu, lessen the severity of symptoms, and reduce your chances of being hospitalized if you do get it The flu can be transmitted before a person has symptoms of being ill and up to five days after the symptoms are gone. Flu shots protect against the flu virus, which can be spread without your knowledge.
High-Risk Groups
A specific group is at a higher risk of getting the flu and developing potentially dangerous flu-related complications. Vaccinating people in these high-risk groups is essential. These individuals include:
- Pregnant women
- Children aged 6 months to 5 years
- Who receive aspirin therapy under the age of 18
- People over 65
- People with chronic medical conditions
- People whose BMI is higher than 40
- Caretakers of any of the above individuals
How important is the flu shot?
Millions of people get the flu, and tens of thousands die yearly. The flu vaccine can protect you from becoming ill this season, but it also helps protect those at high risk for flu complications or those unable to receive the vaccine. High-risk groups can develop potentially life-threatening complications due to the seasonal flu. The most common complications are pneumonia, bronchitis, ear infections, and sinus infections. Complications can even lead to hospitalizations and death. Therefore, it is essential to get vaccinated to protect yourself and others.
A flu shot can provide you with the following benefits;
- Reduces the risk of getting the flu
- Reduces the severity of flu symptoms
- Prevents post-flu complications
- Limits the overall number of cases and exposure to high-risk individuals
Importance of a Flu Vaccine During COVID-19
Globally, COVID-19 has put a great deal of strain on healthcare systems. There will be an increase in patient volume and pressure once flu cases begin to rise. Flu vaccines can reduce the number of people who get the flu and lessen the severity of flu symptoms and illness. By reducing flu cases, the healthcare system will be able to care for those affected by COVID-19 more efficiently.
Final words
Getting a seasonal flu shot in early fall is the best way to prevent the flu, especially when COVID-19 is still present. When flu season ramps, diligent care is required to prevent both at once. Although flu vaccines cannot guarantee you won’t get the virus, studies have shown they can lessen its severity if you do. It is not even necessary to make an appointment to get a flu shot, as they are widely available at pharmacies and grocery stores.
Keeping your body healthy is a cornerstone of healthy aging, and so is asking for assistance when you need it. At Optimal Senior Care Solutions, keeping current on all your vaccinations is one of many things that our caregivers help clients with. To learn more about the types of services we provide to clients in Orange County, reach out to us today.
