Immunizations, Flu Shots and Why They are Important.

Every year, the flu season affects many people—sometimes even leading to fatalities. Spanning from October until May, it continues to be a source of concern due to its potential severity.

The best thing you can do is shield yourself against it. The most effective line of defense you have at your disposal is the flu vaccine. A flu vaccine prevents tens of thousands of hospitalizations each year and can considerably reduce your susceptibility to the flu. At Sisselman Medical Group, we are committed to the wellness of our patients and community, offering flu shots to create a healthier tomorrow. 

Read on to understand the importance of flu vaccines and immunizations.

Why Should You Schedule Your Flu Shot Appointment?

The flu virus is not to be underestimated. It has the power to derail your health and ordinary life, especially if you contract it at a troublesome time—like in the midst of a pandemic. But how do you significantly reduce your chances of contagion? The answer is simple: get a flu shot. Early vaccination means you are better protected. The flu vaccine is a safe, effective way to help people stay healthy and prevent illness. 

What Are the Benefits of Flu Shots?

Flu shots play an indispensable role in safeguarding public health and welfare. Let's take a closer look at the key benefits that flu vaccines offer:

Protection for High-Risk Groups

People with chronic health conditions such as heart disease, chronic lung disease, and diabetes can benefit from flu vaccination by reducing the risk of hospitalization due to comorbidities. This includes a reduced risk of complications and an overall improvement in health status.

Shield Pregnant People and Infants

Flu vaccination during pregnancy protects pregnant individuals and their babies against the flu. Studies have shown that vaccination reduces the risk of flu-associated acute respiratory infection in pregnant individuals by about one-half, and lowers the risk of being hospitalized with flu by an average of 40%.

Moreover, flu vaccines given during pregnancy also protect infants in their first months of life, when they are too young to be vaccinated themselves.

Reduction in Severity and Hospitalization

Flu vaccination has been proven to reduce the severity of illness in people who get vaccinated but still contract the flu. 

Side Effects of Flu Vaccines: What to Expect

No medical intervention is without risks. The flu vaccine, like most others, carries the possibility of side effects. However, the majority of people experience only mild, temporary symptoms. Some common side effects may include:

• Soreness at the injection site
• Low-grade fever
• Mild muscle aches

These symptoms usually occur within a few hours after getting the flu shot and subside within a couple of days in most cases.

In very rare cases, severe allergic reactions can occur. These side effects may include:

• Trouble breathing
• Hives
• Facial swelling
• Rapid heartbeat
• Dizziness

If you experience these symptoms after receiving a flu shot, please seek immediate medical care. However, the chances of a severe reaction are extremely low, and the benefits of getting vaccinated far outweigh this small risk.

Who Should Not Get a Flu Shot?

While most people can safely receive a flu shot, there are a few exceptions to keep in mind. Certain groups are advised against getting the vaccine, such as:

• People who have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous flu vaccine or any of its components, such as eggs or gelatin. 
• Individuals who have a history of Guillain-Barré Syndrome, a rare neurological disorder.
• Infants under six months old.

If you have any questions about whether the flu vaccine is right for you, your healthcare provider or physician is always ready to discuss options and address your worries.

Why Are Flu Vaccines Important for Children?

Children, particularly those between six months and five years of age, are considered a high-risk group when it comes to the flu. According to the CDC, during the 2019-2020 flu season, 434 pediatric deaths were reported.

Vaccinating children not only reduces their risk of severe illness from the flu, but it also helps protect those around them who might be more vulnerable, such as infants, the elderly, or individuals with compromised immune systems.

Flu shots are an important preventive tool for your children. In these times, when schools and extracurricular activities are so important to their growth, prevention is the key.

To take further preventive actions and safeguard your children's health, the CDC also recommends:

• Covering your mouth with your hands while coughing
• Washing hands often
• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick

Do Flu Vaccines Protect You Against All Types of Flu?

Flu vaccines are developed each year with the aim of shielding individuals against the types of influenza strains that research suggests will be most widely spread in the upcoming flu season. However, a flu vaccine doesn't safeguard against infections or illnesses caused by other types of viruses that can yield influenza-like symptoms, especially from October until May. These include:

• SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19
• Rhinovirus, which is one of the culprits for the “common cold”
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which is the most frequent cause of severe respiratory illness in young children

If you are thinking of getting your flu shot, our compassionate team at Sisselman Medical Group is ready to assist you. Contact us today to schedule your vaccine for this flu season. Remember that we are here to support your family's health journey every step of the way.