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Getting your flu shot may not seem very high on your priority list. After all, aren’t your chances of getting the flu pretty low? Many cases of influenza are relatively uncomplicated, but it’s not always true that your odds of catching it are low. That’s why getting vaccinated against influenza is an important part of preventive medicine.
Now that Covid-19 is also a concern, it’s more important than ever to get vaccinated against influenza, too. Some people think that we may be at greater risk of catching the flu now that we’ve spent so much time limiting our exposure to other people and wearing masks.
Dr. Evan Allen of Allen Wellness & Medical Center in Henderson, Nevada, explains more about why you should get a flu shot as soon as possible.
Can you get a flu shot too early?
Technically, it is possible to get an annual flu shot too early. If you get the vaccine long before the flu starts circulating in your community, it may not provide enough protection all through the flu season.
But that only refers to getting your annual flu shot in August or maybe early September. By the time October and November roll around, you’re at the right point to get vaccinated.
Why a flu shot is important
Getting vaccinated against influenza is important for many reasons.
For one thing, you can reduce the spread of the flu to more vulnerable members of your community. Even if you could fairly easily fight off a flu infection, your family member or neighbor who has a compromised immune system might not.
Other benefits of the flu vaccine include a:
- Reduced risk of bacterial pneumonia
- Reduced risk of sinus infections
- Reduced risk of ear infections
- No need to miss days of work
- Worsening chronic medical conditions, such as asthma or diabetes
In addition, the CDC says that even if you do contract the flu despite getting vaccinated, your case is likely to be much milder and less likely to require hospitalization.
Vaccination is safe
A lot of people have begun to question the importance of getting vaccines recently. But vaccination against the flu is very safe. Here are some of the facts about flu vaccines:
- Flu vaccination can prevent you from getting sick
- If you do catch it, flu vaccination is associated with a 26% lower chance of being admitted to the ICU and a 31% lower risk of death
- Flu vaccination is especially important if you have other health conditions, such as diabetes or congestive heart failure
- Flu vaccination is safe for pregnant women and protects your baby from the flu for their first few months of life
Getting a flu shot is simply the best way to protect yourself in most cases. If you’re not a good candidate for the flu shot, Dr. Allen can tell you.
If you haven’t gotten your flu shot yet, there’s no better time than right now. Contact Dr. Evan Allen at Allen Wellness & Medical Center or request an appointment online.