Is it necessary to get an Annual Flu Vaccine?

Influenza or “the flu” is an infectious disease that may cause other complications. It can include high fever, chills, sore throat, cough, body aches, fatigue, and more. The flu could leave you sick for many days and could become life-threatening. Your annual flu shot is a safe and effective way to help prevent the flu. Your local family clinic in Nashville, Cape Sierra Family Clinic offers yearly flu shots to help keep you well.

How does getting a flu vaccine help prevent flu?

Flu vaccines help your body develop antibodies to different strains of the influenza virus. These antibodies help protect you against a full infection. Influenza viruses are constantly changing and mutating which is why a new vaccine is offered each year.

Flu vaccines every year?

Flu viruses are not the same year after year.  They actually mutate (change) to overcome the obstacle of the previous vaccine.  A virus is a living organism that adapts and changes to help itself replicate.

On average, it can take up to two weeks for your body to build an immunity after getting the flu vaccine; however, antibody levels reduce over time.

A flu shot is a weakened version of the more popular strain for the year and can help reduce how long you stay sick. Some people should avoid getting flu shots and infants under 6 months old should not either.  Talk with Cape Sierra Family Clinic to find out your risk exposure.

Should you get an annual flu vaccine shot?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), everyone aged 6 months and older should get an annual flu vaccine. Annual flu shots help reduce the chances of developing severe complications from flu.

Some people are at a higher risk for flu complications and problems, such as:

• Seniors over the age of 65
• People living in nursing homes or assisted care facilities
• Young children of 6 months and older
• Women who are pregnant or you have recently given birth during the flu season
• Someone with a weakened immune system
• Obese individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher
• If have a nervous system disorder
• Individuals with chronic health issues, such as diabetes, liver diseases, heart ailments, kidney disease, and asthma
• Patients who suffered a stroke

Your medical clinic in Nashville, Cape Sierra Family Clinic, can provide you with your annual flu shot to help keep you healthy.

Getting your annual flu shot

Children between 6 and 8 months usually need to 2 doses of flu vaccine four weeks apart if this is their first time.

If you experienced a severe reaction to a previous flu vaccine, tell your doctor.  Let them help you find out why you experienced this problem to determine if you should continue to get a flu shot.

Cape Sierra Family Clinic, your family practice in Nashville, TN, offers annual flu shots for children and adults. Find out more about annual flu vaccines at www.capesierrafamilyclinic.com