Here at Urgent Family Care in Knoxville, Tennessee we know that the most effective way to protect yourself from influenza is to get a flu shot early in the season. Flu vaccine can keep you from getting sick, or make your symptoms milder if you do get the flu. Your body takes about two weeks to develop immunity after you have had the shot.
Why You Need a Flu Shot
Complications of flu can be serious
Most people who get the flu recover fully after a few days of illness, but people who are elderly or very young, or suffer from health problems, can experience serious complications. In the U.S., an average of 20,000 children under 5 are hospitalized with complications from influenza each year.
Protecting yourself from flu protects others
Protecting yourself from the flu also protects your family and your co-workers. By preventing the flu, you can avoid missing days of work or school, putting your health at risk, and exposing your loved ones to infection.
Who Should Get a Flu Shot
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends flu shots for every person older than 6 months. If you are caring for an infant younger than 6 months, everyone in your household should get the flu shot.
Vaccination is especially important for:
- Children younger than 5
- Adults 65 and older
- Pregnant women
- People with chronic health problems such as asthma, heart disease, and weakened immune systems
Children’s Flu Shots
For healthy children 2 to 8 years old, the CDC recommends the nasal spray vaccine if it is available.
Children between the ages of 6 and 8 may require a second dose of flu vaccine, given 4 weeks after the first dose, in order to be protected. Your doctor will tell you if your child needs a second dose.
There is also a higher dose form of the vaccine for people older than 65.
After Effects of a Flu Shot
A flu shot takes only a few minutes, and the after effects are minimal. Make getting your flu shot a priority.
Flu vaccines usually become available in September, to prepare for the flu season which runs from October to May.
Urgent Family Care in Knoxville, Tennessee offers walk-in flu shots. Flu shots are covered by most insurance.
DISCLAIMER: The information on this page is not intended to replace the advice of a physician. It is information that is generally available. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.