Getting a seasonal flu shot can help protect you against the seasonal flu virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting the shot every year. Flu season in the U.S. starts in September and ends in April. The flu shot reduces your risk of contracting the viruses that cause influenza. It prevents about 7.5 million flu cases each year and an estimated 6,800 deaths.
Let us take a look at a few things that patients should know about the flu virus and how it works.
One of the most prevalent myths about the flu shot is that it can give people the flu because it contains the live virus. That is not the way that the vaccine works. It is made using dead or inactive strains of the influenza A and B viruses, so there is no way that the vaccine can lead to a person becoming infected with the flu.
The vaccine is typically injected into a patient’s arms, and it triggers a response from their immune system. The immune system reacts by building antibodies to fight these specific flu strains. The immune system’s response can lead to side effects like muscle aches, fever, nausea, and headaches. In extremely rare cases, a patient might have an allergic reaction to the virus.
Influenza A and B strains are complex infections that are constantly evolving, so some people who get the flu shot might still end up getting the flu. That does not mean the shot is ineffective; it simply means the vaccine did not protect against that specific strain of the A or B virus.
Influenza can lead to complications, especially in kids, pregnant women, and children. However, the vaccine protects patients from about 60% of the viruses that cause the flu.
While COVID-19 and the seasonal flu share similarities, these infections are caused by two different viruses. Unfortunately, that means the flu shot cannot protect against COVID-19 and vice versa.
A person can be infected by both viruses simultaneously, which increases the risk of complications. Getting vaccinated for both viruses gives people the highest level of protection against contracting a severe illness, needing hospitalization, or dying.
This is why the CDC recommends getting a flu shot every year. Like all viruses, influenza is constantly evolving, so there are always new strains to be vaccinated against. Annual flu vaccines are developed to protect against the strains of viruses expected to be most common that year. That means last year’s vaccine will probably not protect someone against the new strains that have developed since then.
Do you need a flu shot? Stop by our North Las Vegas clinic to give us a call to set up an appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://encompasscarelv.com or call Encompass Care at (702) 514-4295 for an appointment in our North Las Vegas office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Flu Shot in North Las Vegas, NV.
Maintaining strong brain health is essential for overall well-being, especially as cognitive function can decline with age or due to preventable medical conditions. Prioritizing brain health supports memory, focus, and emotional regulation, which are vital for everyday activities and long-term independence. Patients seeking ways to support cognitive performance can take proactive steps to keep the…
Having a family doctor offers your family the convenience of seeing one doctor for each member's regular checkups. In addition, these physicians usually encourage their patients to contact them for acute illnesses or injuries. However, it is important not to wait until you or a family member is sick to see your doctor because routine…
A walk-in clinic provides outpatient medical services on a first-come, first-served basis. These clinics are valuable resources for those without a regular doctor or needing immediate care. They can diagnose and treat sudden illness or injury with professional treatment methods.As the name suggests, walk-in clinics provide basic healthcare services without an appointment. They cater to…
Urgent care centers are a much-needed alternative to emergency rooms. They have grown in popularity and provide an affordable, convenient way to get the medical attention you need without waiting for days. While our urgent care center provides many services, here is a breakdown of three of the most common.Our urgent care facility can provide…
Maintaining strong brain health is essential for overall well-being, especially as cognitive function can decline…
Having a family doctor offers your family the convenience of seeing one doctor for each…
As the name suggests, walk-in clinics provide basic healthcare services without an appointment.
Urgent care centers are a much-needed alternative to emergency rooms. They have grown in popularity…
There are many benefits of medically losing weight at a medical center, as every patient…
Physical exams are essential in any doctor visit and are considered a health screening. In…
