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Flu season can be unpredictable, and some years are more active than others. This is why many family doctors agree that everyone should get a flu shot. The CDC already predicts a “bad” flu season for 2019 to 2020, based on several early flu-related deaths. The flu shot is the best way to protect against illness, especially for young children, the elderly, and pregnant women.

What Are the Benefits of the Flu Shot?

The most obvious benefit of the flu vaccine is that it reduces your risk of getting the flu. Research from the 2016 to 2017 flu season revealed that the flu shot reduced the likelihood of needing to see a family doctor for flu symptoms by 40 to 60%. It also prevented 5.3 million cases of illness and 85,000 hospitalizations.

In fact, a reduced risk of hospitalization due to the flu, especially for young children and the elderly, is a significant benefit of the flu vaccine. The shot reduces your overall risk of hospitalization; if you end up in the hospital, you’re 82% less likely to need intensive care.

Other benefits of the flu shot include:

  • Reduced risk of complications related to chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and chronic lung disease.
  • Reduced risk of pregnancy complications – and the protection from the vaccination is passed on to the unborn baby.
  • Reduced risk of dying from the flu among children.
  • Reduced severity of the illness if you do get sick.
  • Improved protection for the people around you, especially those who are immunocompromised or who cannot get the shot themselves.

Can the Flu Shot Make Me Sick?

family-doctor-Davidson-County-NCYou may be reluctant to get your flu shot because you believe the vaccine will make you sick or that it’s ineffective. Although some people may have minor flu-like symptoms after receiving a shot, it’s not because of the vaccination. These symptoms are caused by one or more unrelated factors. For example, it takes about two weeks to achieve immunity after getting the flu shot, so exposure to the virus in that time could make you sick. You may also be experiencing symptoms of a different virus – including a variant of the flu not included in the vaccine – or the vaccine may not be as effective for you.

While the flu shot may not be 100% effective at keeping you from getting sick at all, it will ensure you are less sick, and you’ll have fewer complications. Therefore, it’s vital to see your family doctor immediately for a shot if you haven’t already.

 

If you live in Davidson County, NC, and need your flu shot, turn to the family doctors at Lexington Family Physicians. These professionals also treat various conditions and provide preventive care to help you feel your best at every age. Learn about the practice by visiting their website, or call (336) 249-3329 to schedule an appointment.

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