It’s Flu Shot Season! Here’s Why

If you’ve ever had the flu, you know how absolutely miserable it can be. Although it may not land you in the hospital, the weeks it takes your body to recover are long and uncomfortable.

Protecting yourself from the flu is especially important as you get older, as it may have greater consequences. Getting a flu vaccine early in the flu season is essential for protecting you and your family members from getting sick.

At Amarillo Ufirst Urgent Care Clinic in Amarillo, Texas, Julito Uy, MD, offers primary care services, including essential vaccines, at annual wellness visits or at our convenient urgent care facility.

When does flu season begin?

In the United States, the flu season typically runs from October to May. Although the flu circulates all year, peak season is often from December to February.

The flu is typically worse in the colder winter months because of drier conditions and the fact that people spend more time indoors, including crowded gatherings around the holidays.

Every year, flu variants change, which means some strains are worse than others. The earlier you get the vaccine, the less likely you are to get sick.

The importance of the flu vaccine

The flu vaccine is recommended for anyone 6 months and older, and it’s critical for adults over 65, as the flu can cause serious health complications.

People who get the flu experience symptoms ranging from a severe cold to significant lung problems and fevers. For those with chronic health conditions, this illness can be deadly.

Getting the flu vaccine early is the best way to protect yourself and those around you from contracting the flu. It gives you the antibodies you need to fight off the influenza virus if you contract it.

Researchers update the vaccine each year to match the strains they believe will be most prevalent. People still get the flu even with the vaccine, but it typically prevents severe illness or complications.

Those with compromised immune systems, older adults, and young people should receive the flu vaccine to prevent complications such as hospitalization, bacterial pneumonia, or exacerbation of other chronic health issues.

Why you should get your vaccine now

It may seem early to get a flu vaccine, but now is the best time to get it. Although flu season doesn’t start until October, there’s a big reason to get your vaccine now.

The vaccine needs time to work in your body. It takes about two weeks after you get the vaccine for your body to develop the necessary antibodies to fight off the virus. The sooner you get the vaccine, the sooner your body can fight off the virus when it begins spreading this fall.

It’s especially important for high-risk individuals, such as adults over 65 and pregnant women, to get the vaccine in early September. 

At Amarillo Ufirst Urgent Care Clinic, our team is here to keep you healthy during flu season and all year long. To schedule your flu vaccine, call or visit our urgent care today, or book your visit online.