Many people view their annual flu shots either as a tradition or as a chore that needs to be crossed off a to-do list. Whatever you think about the vaccine, you know that it is meant to protect you from the flu and all its awful symptoms.
It does so much more than prevent the flu, though. A simple flu shot saves lives and prevents hospital visits.
Find out more about those shots you get every fall.
The basic concept of vaccination is to inject the patient with a weakened form of a disease-causing microbe so their body can produce antibodies that fight the disease.
This means that the flu vaccine is made up of the life forms that cause the flu, except the microbes are weakened or inert.
In most cases, the vaccine is "grown" inside eggs. Every year, medical researchers make flu shots to fight whatever strain of flu is in circulation that particular year.
It is important to remember that the vaccination needs two weeks to take effect. The flu virus becomes more active during the fall and winter. The CDC recommends that people get their flu shots in October.
A person that misses this "deadline" can still get vaccinated. The vaccine will work fine as long as the person does not get exposed to the virus before their antibodies kick in.
If a person gets the flu, they should still get the shot to avoid getting infected with another strain of the virus.
Any person over the age of six months should get the vaccine. The flu shot is especially useful for people with vulnerable immune systems, like pregnant women, the elderly and people with chronic conditions.
A medical professional will administer a flu vaccine that will suit the patient's age and medical situation.
For starters, people who are allergic to antibiotics, eggs, gelatin or any other components of the vaccine should be extra careful. They should consult their doctor about their allergies before getting a vaccination. The doctor will look for an alternative form of the vaccine.
The flu shot has a host of benefits, for example:
For some people, the vaccine will cause a mild fever and a slight drop in energy levels. The person may also feel some soreness at the site of the flu shot. These symptoms are nothing to worry about.
However, if the patient swells up and develops breathing problems, they should get to a hospital immediately because they may be allergic to something in the vaccine.
Falling sick is no fun, and it is best to avoid it if you can. If you have not received your flu shot, visit our New Caney clinic.
Request an appointment here: https://tx-urgentcare.com or call Texas Urgent Care & Imaging Center at (832) 246-7266 for an appointment in our New Caney office.
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