Why You Should Consider a Flu Shot This Year

A flu shot can protect you from experiencing the unfavorable symptoms of the influenza virus. Read on to learn more about why you should consider getting the flu vaccine this year.

Though each flu season is different, the flu virus can affect even the healthiest person and should not be taken lightly. In some cases, the flu can lead to hospitalization, and sometimes even death.

Let’s delve right in and take a look at how the vaccine works.

The main job of a flu shot is to stimulate the body’s immune system to fend off a flu virus attack. Two weeks after a person is vaccinated, antibodies begin to develop within the body. These antibodies then provide protection against infection from the virus strains that are included in the vaccine. If you come in contact with the flu virus and you’ve been vaccinated, your body will recognize this virus and immediately produce the aforementioned antibodies to fight the infection.

The typical flu shot is meant to protect against three primary forms of the flu: influenza virus A (H1N1), influenza A (H3N2) and influenza B.

When should you get a flu shot? The best time to get a flu vaccine would be before the flu-like symptoms begin in your community. Most health care providers will start offering flu shots at the end of October. Flu season tends to peak between December and March and in some cases, flu activity can last throughout May as well.

Given the fact that it takes about two weeks post-vaccination for the antibodies to develop in the body, it’s best to get a flu shot as early as possible – before the illness begins to spread throughout your community.

If you still haven’t gotten a flu shot, stop by the St. Barnabas Medical Center for a vaccination. No appointment is required and all insurances are accepted.

St. Barnabas also offers on-site flu vaccination clinics. Click here to learn more about our flu shot offerings.

 

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