As the hot and sweet summer days come to a close, fall approaches to bring us wonderful things like Pumpkin Spice lattes, shopping for costumes and gifts, and savoring the slow roll into the holidays.
Unfortunately, it also brings us the flu season.
Although it’s most common in the fall and winter months, you can catch the flu (short for the influenza virus) at any time of the year. The flu virus can spread quickly and easily, able to be contracted within six feet of someone who is sick. A mild flu can result in a fever for a few days, but a severe case can develop into pneumonia or bronchitis.
Everyone can help control the spread of the flu by simply getting vaccinated against the flu. Being sure to get your annual flu vaccine is the best way to lessen your risk of catching the flu and spreading it to your family, friends, co-workers, fellow churchgoers, fellow volunteers at your favorite charity, neighbors, and people who are in your airplane or bus. You could be spreading influenza before you realize you have it.
How Do Flu Vaccines Work?
The human body is naturally built to fight off invaders, such as viruses and unfriendly bacteria. To prevent infection, sickness, or disease, the body’s antibodies attack anything it deems to be “foreign.”
The flu vaccine signals our immune system to develop antibodies against the virus by injecting dead viruses into our body. (Because they are dead, these viruses cannot give you the flu – it’s physically impossible.) These antibodies then have a “memory” on how to provide protection against the infection if you come into contact with an active virus.
It’s important to get a flu vaccine annually to protect against the influenza viruses.
Traditional flu vaccines are specially designed to protect against three major flu viruses: influenza A (H1N1), influenza A (H3N2), and an influenza B virus. There are many other vaccines made to protect against different variations of flu viruses, as they often mutate and alter.
Who Should Get Vaccinated for the Flu?
It’s recommended that everyone over the age of 6 months receive flu vaccination against these known influenza viruses once a year. People who live with or care for sick or infirm people are at a higher risk of contracting and developing the flu. Those who are nurses, nannies, and caretakers should definitely get vaccinated every year.
There are different vaccines that are suitable per an individual’s age, health status, and known allergies to the flu vaccine or any of its components. For example, women who are pregnant or people with chronic health conditions may need a specific variation of a vaccination.
Where to Get a Flu Shot
If you haven’t received your flu shot, you should schedule an appointment with a physician as soon as possible. An important part of staying healthy is prevention and a collaborative, open relationship with your medical professional.
Protect yourself and those around you by getting your annual seasonal flu vaccination with the experienced, friendly staff at Intercoastal Medical Group. We are committed to you and your family’s health and well-being – not just during flu season, but every day of the year.
Call us today for more information or to schedule an appointment at one of our locations in Sarasota or Bradenton, or fill out our online appointment request form now. We look forward to serving you and helping you live a healthy lifestyle!
