Flu Shots

What causes the flu?

The flu, or influenza, is a viral infection that mainly affects the respiratory system. Influenza is highly contagious and is easily spread through coughing, sneezing, and contact with infected objects. Influenza is typically quite mild, but in some cases, can lead to bronchitis, pneumonia, and other infections.   

Some of the most common symptoms of the flu include:

• A fever
• Muscle pain
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Congestion

Flu symptoms typically appear very suddenly and can range from mild to severe. Although the flu can affect patients of any age, it is most harmful to children and older adults because of their weaker immune systems. 

How does a flu shot work?

The flu shot works by exposing your body to a small amount of the flu virus. The flu shot typically protects against three or four of the most common flu strains. Once your Advance Medical Group provider administers the shot, your body begins to build up an immunity to the virus, protecting you from future infection. 

Will a flu shot give me the flu?

There is a common misconception that getting the flu shot can make you sick. This is false. What most people are actually experiencing is their body’s natural immune response to the vaccine. 

Although flu vaccinations can have side effects such as a mild fever or body aches, those symptoms don’t last and are not a sign of the flu. 

Why do I need a flu shot every year?

Even though the flu comes around every year, it isn't always the same strain of the virus. Influenza is constantly changing. This means that different strains of the virus pop up frequently. Unfortunately, previous vaccinations cannot protect you against new strains of the flu.

Flu vaccines change every year depending on what strain of the flu is the most common at the time. The annual flu shot offers patients the most effective protection against new strains of the flu.

Advance Medical Group provides high-quality preventive medicine services. Patients can effectively safeguard their health with services like immunizations, comprehensive screenings, and exams. You can get your flu shot by appointment or during your annual well visit.  

To schedule your next flu shot, book an appointment at Advance Medical Group by phone or online today.