Why do I need a flu shot?

The flu is a serious disease and can spread quickly, leading to hospitalization and in some cases, death.

At Urgent Care and TeleHealth, the medical team recommends annual flu vaccinations to minimize your risk of getting the flu. The vaccine allows your body to develop antibodies to protect you from the virus and its complications. A flu vaccination also helps reduce the spread of the virus among family members and the community.

A flu vaccination is especially important if you’re elderly, pregnant, or have existing medical conditions that compromise your immune system. Young children are also at increased risk for developing flu-related medical complications.

When do I need to get a flu shot?

In the United States, the annual flu season can start in early October and last throughout May. The doctors will consult with you to determine the best time for you to get a flu vaccination based on your medical history, your age, and other factors.

It takes about two weeks for the antibodies to develop in your system. The team at Urgent Care and TeleHealth recommend you receive your vaccination as early as possible.

How do I know which flu shot to get?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) researches the most common strains of flu virus likely to be present during the upcoming flu season. Vaccines to protect against these specific strains are available at Urgent Care & TeleHealth.

You can receive a flu vaccination as an injection or a nasal spray, depending on your needs. The medical team can determine which vaccination method is right for you, or if you should not receive a vaccination due to underlying medical issues, including allergies.

Will I get the flu after a vaccination?

The flu vaccination doesn’t give you the flu, although there is still a chance you will develop the flu after you receive a vaccination if you are infected before the antibodies can develop in your system. However, any symptoms you have should be milder and last for a shorter period of time.

You might have some side effects following a flu vaccination that might seem like you have flu symptoms. These side effects include:

• Soreness or swelling at the injection site
• Low-grade fever
• Muscle aches

If you take the nasal spray vaccination, you might also experience a headache, sore throat, and runny nose for a period of time.

Schedule a flu vaccination by calling the Urgent Care and TeleHealth office nearest you or book online.