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Clinical Corner


Fight the Flu: Get Vaccinated and Stay Protected

The average flu season leaves millions of people sick with fever, chills, aches, cough, and other uncomfortable symptoms. Luckily, there’s one simple thing you can do to reduce your risk and decrease the severity of symptoms and risk of complications: get a flu vaccine. They’re available every flu season at pharmacies, doctor’s offices, and sometimes even through work.

Flu Shot Benefits

There are lots of benefits to consider when taking flu shots. Getting a flu shot each year gives you the best protection against the current strain of the virus. The shots are updated annually to make sure they protect against the most common strains of the virus that are going around each season to provide the best defense each year. The flu shot helps prevent you from getting sick and spreading the flu to others. And if you do catch it, it will keep the symptoms milder and more manageable than they would be if you don’t get vaccinated. Be sure to tell your Primary Care provider once you get your shot so they can keep your flu immunization record up to date.

Flu Vaccination FAQs

Many people have questions about the flu shot. Here are some of the most common ones:

What is the flu and how is it spread?

Influenza (the flu for short) is a contagious virus that is spread by coughing, sneezing, and close contact with others who have the flu. It can spread for up to 24 hours before the person who has it experiences symptoms, increasing the risk of transmission to others.

How can I protect myself and others from the flu?

Get vaccinated, wash your hands frequently, sneeze or cough into a tissue, avoid contact with people who have the flu, and don’t come to work if you’re sick.

Can I get the influenza virus from the flu shot?

No. The flu shot is inactivated, which means it can’t transmit the virus. The vaccine works by causing an immune response, which some people experience as mild fatigue or aches. These “symptoms” are normal and not the flu.

How effective is the flu shot?

Flu shot protection depends on the age and health status of the person getting the vaccine, and the similarity or “match” between the inactivated virus or viruses in the vaccine and the active viruses in circulation. Even if the vaccine isn’t a perfect match for current strains, it still reduces how severe illness is in vaccinated people who do get sick.

Who’s at higher risk?

Everyone is susceptible to catching the flu. But some people are at a higher risk for complications including those over 65, young children, pregnant people, and people with chronic conditions like asthma, heart disease, kidney disease, cancer, HIV, and diabetes.

If you have more questions about the flu virus or flu vaccine, connect with your provider.

Flu Prevention Tips

In addition to the vaccine, there are a few things you can do to keep yourself and others healthy this flu season.

Spread love, not germs:

Avoid close contact with sick people to reduce your risk of getting respiratory viruses
Stay home when you’re sick so you don’t spread germs
Cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing
Wear a mask in public/crowded places and when near sick people
Wash your hands often with soap and water
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
Use air purifiers and open windows to increase fresh air flow and improve air quality
Wipe down/sanitize frequently touched surfaces

Focus on wellness:

Eat nutritious foods like fruits and vegetables to keep your immune system strong
Try to get 7-8 hours of quality sleep every night
Get regular exercise to stay healthy and feel your best
Avoid/minimize alcohol consumption and smoking
Keep stress levels as manageable as possible

Keep Yourself and Your Loved Ones Healthy

The bottom line is that getting the flu is no fun for anybody. Flu shots are the best way to avoid getting sick or transmitting the virus; plus, they help reduce how bad symptoms are if you do get sick. So help spread flu vaccination awareness to your loved ones, coworkers, and community. The more people who get a flu shot, the more protected and healthier we all are. Schedule your shot today to stay safe this flu season.

About the Reviewers

Carmel O'Donnell D.O. headshot
Carmel O’Donnell D.O. | Crossover Health Primary Care Physician
Carmel has had the privilege of practicing medicine in a variety of settings, both inpatient and outpatient, including rural settings. She strongly believes in a team approach and providing comprehensive care with a focus on prevention and wellness.
Yvonne Hawkins, MD headshot
Yvonne Hawkins, MD | Crossover Health Primary Care Physician
Yvonne is a board-certified family physician. She has been practicing medicine for over 20 years, serving a broad array of patients. A strong advocate and promoter of the patient-centered medical home, she now practices full-time for Crossover Health on their National Virtual Care team.