Flu season is here again, and you may be wondering if you should get a flu shot this year. Luckily, the advantages far outweigh the inconvenience of getting sick. Here’s a closer look at how a flu shot can benefit you.

4 Reasons to Get a Flu Shot

1. Prevent Getting the Flu

Getting the shot helps prevent you from getting the flu virus. In years where the vaccine matches the active virus, flu-related doctor’s visits decrease up to 60%. If you know that you are prone to get the bug every winter, getting a flu shot may protect you.

2. Reduced Hospitalization

The flu vaccination has been shown to reduce the risk of hospitalization for those with chronic conditions. Healthy adults who receive the shot also are less likely to be hospitalized for severe influenza or flu-related complications.

3. Protect Vulnerable Populations

Certain groups are more vulnerable to the flu, including children, the elderly, and pregnant women. For those who are undergoing cancer treatment, have diabetes, COPD, asthma, kidney disease, or HIV/AIDS, symptoms of influenza may cause complications, be more severe, or harder for the body to fight. The CDC recommends that children over 6 months and adults over 65 or who are pregnant should get the vaccine. Studies have shown that the flu shot can be lifesaving for children.

4. Reduce Severity If You Do Get Ill

The vaccine doesn’t guarantee 100% protection against the flu, especially if there was a chance of exposure or if the strains don’t match. But if you do get the flu, having the shot will decrease the severity and duration of symptoms. A recent study showed that those who received the vaccine were 59% less likely to end up in intensive care as a result of influenza complications.

If you’re considering a flu shot this year for yourself and family in Baldwin County, AL, visit Robertsdale Urgent Care. Clinic owner Amy Younce, MSN, RN, CRNP, FNP-C, AGACNP-BC, offers urgent medical and preventive care to the community. She and her team are committed to excellence in health care. Stop in today or call (251) 947-3591 to schedule a time to get your flu shot. For more on their practice, check out their website.