Flu season is upon us and it is the time of the year we should boost our immune system to protect us from these contagious viruses. Although seasonal flu viruses circulate throughout the year, the fall and winter period is considered the peak of flu activity and is commonly referred to as the flu season. There are daily actions we can take to reduce the risk of catching the flu, however, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu vaccinations have proven to be the most effective. Unfortunately, less than half of adults in the United States have received a flu vaccine in recent years. That’s why it’s important to educate ourselves on the risks of flu and the best ways to prevent it.
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The flu is much more serious than many people realize – According
to the CDC, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized every year because
of the flu. The flu can actually be quite deadly, with annual flu-related
deaths ranging from 3,000 to 49,000 people in the United States. Some
individuals are at a much higher risk of getting the flu, including:
- Individuals with chronic conditions, like asthma and diabetes
- Individuals with heart disease
- Adults over the age of 65
- Pregnant women
- Individuals who have HIV or AIDS
- It is the best way to prevent seasonal illness – Getting the flu shot is your best chance of avoiding illness caused by flu viruses. The CDC reports that the flu vaccine reduces a person’s risk of getting the illness by 61 percent. While the effectiveness of the flu shot can vary from year to year, the vaccination is the most important tool currently available to prevent the flu.
- Last year’s flu shot will not protect you –Unfortunately, flu viruses are constantly changing, which is why the formulation of the flu vaccine is reviewed every year to ensure the vaccine is effective on current strains of viruses. Additionally, the body’s immune response to the vaccine will gradually decline with time. That’s why it is important to get the flu vaccine every year.
- The flu shot is not for everyone – Certain groups of people should not take the flu shot due to their age, health, and allergies. Consult your doctor before getting the flu shot.
No need to wait in lines, Urgentology Care offers the flu vaccination in our urgent care in North Arlington. We are open 7 days a week at convenient times. Here at Urgentology, your health and wellness matters to us, which is why we offer flu shots to people of all ages. Give us a call for more information, or stop by our North Arlington clinic today.
Important: If you have a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest Emergency Room. Information in this site is not intended to be used as a diagnosis for your symptoms. If you experience any of these symptoms, please seek medical attention or visit Urgentology Care.