The worst part about the fall season is the flu. Getting the flu is not the best thing; the symptoms can cause extreme discomfort and may last for quite a while. There are many misunderstandings regarding the flu vaccine that causes many not to take it. Today, we will look at essential facts you need to know before getting your flu vaccine.
1. Feeling Sore Is Completely Normal
Swelling, tenderness, redness, or even soreness can occur in the area where the shot was given. Specific side effects happen because of your immune response to different unknown substances.
2. Get Your Flu Shot By October
The CDC states that flu outbreaks can occur from as early as October. This means you’ll want to protect yourself before then. It takes about two weeks for the vaccine to go into full effect, so plan to get your shot subsequently.
3. You Need A Flu Shot If You Are Pregnant
While many believe vaccines can harm one during pregnancy, it is not valid! Building immunity when you are pregnant is vital; the flu shot can not harm an unborn baby. Ensure you get the flu shot so that you can give your gained immunity to your new-born child!
4. The Flu Season Starts Peaking Between December And February
The peak flu season tends to start in December and lasts for about three months. However, there is a chance of getting the virus even during May! Thus, it’s essential to get the vaccine to ensure you are safe during flu-filled months.
5. Your Immunity Will Last Throughout The Entire Season
According to the CDC, the strength of your immunity can last till fall! Thus, you don’t need to hold off getting the vaccine! Even though your immunity won’t be as strong once wintertime occurs, it can still help you fight and protect against infection.
6. The Flu Shot Can Not Cause Autism
Based on different studies, there is no significant correlation between autism and flu shots. Even though past studies suggest a relation between the two, the association was minimal. Recent studies claim that past studies either have errors or drew an association simply by chance.
7. There are various strains of the flu that the vaccine can not protect against
Every year, a new flu shot is made. This is mainly because the flu often evolves, causing it to easily resist against the different defenses we have for it. Thus, there isn’t only one shot you can take to protect you against the billions of variants of the flu. Unfortunately, there is a chance you can get sick even if you get your flu vaccine.
Final Thoughts
We hope you were able to learn valuable information before getting your flu vaccine! If you need a flu shot, you have come to the right place! Aqeeq Internal Medicine is here to help with all of your medical needs! We are your local internal medicine clinic in Houston, Texas, and we want to ensure you have an internist that understands your needs! To learn more about what we can do to help you or your loved one, call us today at 832-786-8195.