After the last couple of years, we should be experts in protecting ourselves from illness! We know to prioritize staying home when sick and practice proper social distancing when needed. This can all come in handy during the flu season.

The cold and flu season is here for the year, so it is important to take proper precautions to prevent serious illness. This includes getting your annual flu shot! Our AFC Urgent Care Mooresville team explains why you and your family should get the flu shot below.

Is This Flu Shot Different Than Last Year’s?

The flu shot is a little bit different every year. This is due to the fact that the influenza virus is constantly changing and evolving, just like every other virus that is out there. In order to provide the best protection, the shot is formulated to battle against the most common strain of the year.

Contrary to popular belief, the flu shot cannot actually give you the flu. The parts of virus that are in the flu shot are deactivated, so they can’t make you sick. The shot just stimulates your immune system to create antibodies against the live virus. Science can be so cool!

Make the Flu Shot a Priority

• It reduces your risk of death due to the flu.
• It can reduce the number of days you are sick if you do get the flu.
• The shot protects you from serious complications.
• It can help with herd immunity.

What Complications Can the Flu Produce?

While it isn’t a guarantee that you will suffer serious symptoms from the flu, it is certainly a possibility. If your body has an extreme inflammatory response, it can affect your brain, muscles and heart and can cause multi-organ failure. It could also turn into pneumonia or another respiratory complication.

Getting the flu shot drastically reduces your risk of suffering those complications! It also helps lower the risk of your more vulnerable family and friends from experiencing serious illness as well. Protect yourself and others and come see us for your flu shot today.

Keeping Your Family Healthy

• Get your annual flu shot.
• Prioritize hand washing.
• Avoid others if they are sick.
• Eat plenty of fruits and veggies.
• Make sleep a priority.

It’s not too late to get your flu shot this year! Come see us today at AFC Urgent Care Mooresville.