Protect Your Family And Community Against The Flu

Every year around this time, signs start popping up at pharmacies and clinics reminding us that flu season is approaching and it’s time to get our annual vaccine. Flu season is in full swing, and TrustCare Express Clinics have already been seeing flu over the past few weeks. It’s crucial to get your vaccine as soon as you can in order for it to make its way through your body and become effective. But if it happens to slip your mind in September or October, the CDC even recommends that a vaccine through January can still be effective.

I Got A Vaccine Last Year–Why Do I Need Another One?

Unlike a lot of vaccines, which you can receive once or twice in a lifetime, the flu vaccine needs to be administered annually. The flu is a constantly evolving disease, which means that the vaccine also needs to evolve in order for it to continue to be effective. In addition to the formula for the actual vaccine changing, the CDC also makes updated recommendations on how it can be administered; for instance, the nasal spray, which used to be commonly given to patients instead of the injection, has not been recommended for the past few seasons.

Who Should Get The Vaccine?

The short answer is that almost everyone should get vaccinated against the flu. There are some exceptions, which should always be discussed with your doctor. These exceptions include anyone with severe allergies to the vaccine or its ingredients, children under 6 months old, and may also include those with allergies to eggs, people who are currently sick, or anyone who has had Guillain-Barre Syndrome. The flu vaccine is most effective when large portions of the population receive it.

Is The Flu That Big Of A Deal?

Some people think that the flu is just like a cold, only a little more severe. Most notably, the flu is a virus, meaning antibiotics can help with some secondary infections that may arise, but they can not cure the flu. Influenza can manifest in two different strains, A and B, and is an extremely contagious infection of the respiratory system. It can be accompanied by fever, sore throat, fatigue, and can often lead to other illnesses like pneumonia. Most importantly, it can be deadly. Although it is difficult to calculate exactly due to many factors, the CDC estimates that thousands die each year from the flu and related complications.

At TrustCare, we want to help you beat the flu proactively, rather than treating you after the fact. Please call us today with any concerns regarding the vaccine, you can let us know you are on your way, or just walk into your nearest location and we can get you ready to face flu season head-on.