The fall season brings joys like colorful leaves, crisp temperatures, and snuggling by a fireplace. It also marks the cooler time of year when viruses, including influenza, become more prevalent.
By getting your entire family the flu shot at Primary & Alternative Medical Center in Silver Spring, Maryland, by the end of October, you can maximize your protection against severe illness.
Family practice doctor Jean Welsh, MD, explains why you should get your flu vaccine this autumn.
Every year, doctors, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and World Health Organization (WHO) work together to identify the most likely flu strains to be prevalent that winter.
Every summer, they develop a safe and effective vaccine that minimizes your risk of catching the flu.
The new flu shot is usually ready for distribution by August. Once administered, you get maximum protection from the antibodies in the shot that protect you from the flu about two weeks later. Protection lasts for about six months.
You’re at the greatest risk of contracting the flu during the winter months. The cold weather and closer contact with others indoors make it easier to contract most viruses, including the flu.
Getting the flu shot in September or October gives you the greatest amount of protection from the flu. Your vaccine is most effective during the months when catching the flu is the most common.
Getting your vaccine too soon means your protection lowers while the flu is still circulating. If you wait too long, you won’t have any protection from the virus in the earlier months.
That said, it’s better to get your flu shot late or early than not at all. Talk to our team about your best options if you’re overdue for this year’s flu shot or if you think you need to get it early.
The CDC recommends the flu shot for nearly everyone. The only people who can’t get a flu shot are infants under months old and people who have severe allergies to ingredients in the vaccine.
Certain groups are at especially high risk for severe complications from the flu and should especially prioritize getting a flu shot. These include:
However, even healthy adults need to protect themselves from the flu. Anyone can end up with severe complications from the flu that require hospitalization.
Furthermore, every eligible member of your household needs to be vaccinated annually to have continued protection from the flu shot.
Our team makes the vaccine available as soon as possible for children and adults every year. Getting the shot only takes a few minutes.
We ensure that you get the most effective form of the vaccine for your situation. You feel a small pinch during the quick injection. We put a small bandage on the arm after administering the shot.
You can experience minor swelling and redness in your arm for a day, and occasionally, mild aches and pains. These symptoms are a good sign that the shot is working and starting to build immunity.
Combined with taking other sensible precautions, getting the flu vaccine in the fall is the best way to prevent you and your family from getting sick with the flu this winter. Contact us to schedule your family for the flu shot.
