Flu Shot (Importance of)

Each year, the flu knocks out countless people, leaving them bedridden for days, with fevers, body aches, and a pile of missed work and school days. But what if you could lower your chances of falling victim to this?

According to the CDC, flu vaccines from your primary care doctor in Jersey City can cut the risk of needing medical care for the flu by 40% to 60%. That’s no small benefit; especially when the flu season hits its peak.

Getting your flu shot is also an act that helps protect those around you, from your kids to your elderly neighbors. A quick visit to your primary care doctor in Jersey City can be the difference between staying healthy and spending a week feeling miserable. Want to know how a simple shot can keep you and your loved ones safe this season? Keep reading.

What is the Flu and Why It’s a Concern

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness that affects millions of people every year. Unlike a common cold, the flu can lead to severe symptoms like:

• High fever
• Body aches
• Extreme fatigue

The impact can be even more dangerous for high-risk groups such as young children, the elderly, and those with chronic health conditions like asthma or diabetes. According to the National Institutes of Health, the flu hospitalizes 200,000 people each year in the United States alone and kills more than 36,000 people.

The seasonal nature of the flu virus means it can strike hard during specific months, often overwhelming healthcare systems.

How the Flu Shot Works

The flu vaccine works by stimulating your body’s immune response to create antibodies that fight off the virus. When you receive a flu shot, your body recognizes the weakened or inactivated virus in the vaccine and starts building defenses against it. This means that if you encounter the actual flu virus later, your immune system is prepared to fight it off more effectively.

There is a common misconception that the flu shot can give you the flu. This isn’t true. The vaccine contains either killed virus particles or proteins from the flu virus, which aren’t capable of causing illness. What the shot does is equip your immune system with the necessary tools to recognize and combat the virus if you’re exposed to it.

There are various types of flu vaccines available, including standard-dose shots and high-dose options for older adults. Your primary care doctor can help you choose the right one based on your health needs and risk factors.

Benefits of Getting a Flu Shot

One of the main flu shot benefits is a significant reduction in your risk of falling ill during flu season. A 2017 systematic review published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases shows that even if you do catch the flu after getting vaccinated, your symptoms are often milder and your chances of complications decrease.

This means fewer sick days and doctor visits, which translates to economic benefits as well. In an average flu season, vaccinated individuals experience fewer hospitalizations, which helps lower healthcare costs overall.

Getting vaccinated isn’t just about protecting yourself. It’s an act of care for those around you. When more people get vaccinated, it reduces the overall spread of the flu virus in the community. This is especially critical for individuals who cannot get the flu shot due to medical conditions.

Who Should Get the Flu Shot?

Flu shots are recommended for almost everyone aged 6 months and older. However, certain groups should make it a top priority including:

• Children under the age of 5
• Adults over 65
• Pregnant women
• People with chronic health conditions

Healthcare workers and caregivers are also strongly encouraged to get vaccinated to protect themselves and the individuals they care for.

Even if you’re generally healthy, a flu shot is still recommended to help stop the virus from spreading. Those in high-contact settings, like schools, offices, and public transportation, are more likely to encounter the flu.

NJ Primary Care can provide tailored advice based on your health status and lifestyle. Both of our Jersey City Locations offer flu vaccines as part of our primary care services so you receive comprehensive care for flu prevention.

Timing and Access to Flu Shots

The best time to get your flu shot is early fall, before flu season starts ramping up. The flu season typically peaks between December and February, so getting vaccinated in September or October gives your body time to build up immunity.

The flu vaccine is updated annually to match the strains expected to circulate that year so yearly shots are essential.

The immunization schedule for the flu vaccine may vary depending on your health and risk factors. Children who have never received a flu shot before may need two doses, given a few weeks apart, to ensure full protection. For most people, a single shot each year suffices.

Addressing Common Concerns and Misconceptions

Many people have concerns about the flu shot’s safety and effectiveness. The flu vaccine has been rigorously tested and monitored for decades, proving to be both safe and effective for the vast majority of people. Side effects are usually mild and short-lived, such as soreness at the injection site or a slight fever.

Some worry about the vaccine’s effectiveness, given that flu strains vary each year. While no vaccine guarantees 100% protection, getting vaccinated remains the best defense against the flu.

Speak with our healthcare professionals at NJ Primary Care for any personalized guidance. We can address any concerns and help you make informed decisions about your flu shot.

Contact Your Primary Care Doctor in Jersey City

Flu shots play a crucial role in preventing illness, protecting family health, and reducing medical costs. The benefits go far beyond just avoiding the flu. You’re safeguarding your well-being and the well-being of those around you.

At NJ Primary Care, we take preventative health seriously. As your trusted primary care doctor in Jersey City, we provide flu shots as part of our broader approach to family healthcare by offering personalized services that go above and beyond. We offer convenience and compassion, from easy online scheduling to telehealth options.

Schedule your flu shot appointment with NJ Primary Care and start the season strong!