Curious about the flu vaccine? MainStreet Family Care has all the information you need to know about receiving your annual flu shot!

What Is The Flu?

The flu, also known as influenza, is a contagious viral infection of the nose, throat and lungs. Influenza viruses A, C and D are most contagious during flu season, which runs from November through March. Flu symptoms come on suddenly and typically include:

• Fever
• Coughing and sneezing
• Sore throat
• Chills
• Difficulty breathing
• Congested or runny nose
• Headaches
• Muscle aches
• Fatigue

This virus is extremely contagious, with millions of people contracting the flu yearly. Most people recover in five to seven days on their own, but it can lead to serious complications for some groups.

What Is A Flu Vaccine?

Influenza vaccines come in a couple of shapes in sizes. This year, you can get vaccinated with a nasal spray or an injection. As with most vaccines, the flu vaccine works by introducing an inactivated or weakened virus to your immune system. Then your body makes antibodies that protect you when you encounter an active version of the virus.

The seasonal flu vaccine protects against three flu viruses that researchers predict will be most common this flu season. It also helps prevent serious illnesses and complications from the flu.

Most people get the injectable flu vaccine, also known as the flu shot. This type of vaccine is made with inactivated flu viruses which means the virus is dead. Older children and adults typically get the flu shot in a muscle in the arm. Younger children may get the shot in a thigh muscle.

MainStreet has flu shots at the ready to help protect you this flu season!

Who Should Get The Flu Vaccine?

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that everyone aged 6 months and older get a flu shot every year. Groups at higher risk of complications need to get vaccinated. High risk groups include:

• Young children, especially under the age of 12 months
• Adults over the age of 65
• People in nursing homes or long-term care
• People who plan to be or are pregnant during flu season
• People with pre-existing medical conditions like asthma or diabetes
• People with weakened immune systems

There are a few rare exceptions, such as people with severe allergies to vaccine ingredients. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to a flu shot or other vaccine before, talk to your provider. Together you can find an option to protect against flu.

When Should I Get the Flu Vaccine?

It takes about two weeks for your immune system to build up all the antibodies it needs to protect against the flu. So, the ideal time to get vaccinated is in early fall, September or October, before influenza season really starts in November.

In some cases, children may need two doses of the vaccine. In these cases, the CDC recommends getting the vaccine as soon as possible to ensure there’s time to get the second one.

What Are The Side Effects Of The Flu Vaccine?

After your flu shot, you might feel a little under the weather. Remember, this is just your immune system kicking into gear to learn how to fight the virus. Side effects you might experience at this time include:

• Redness at the injection site
• Soreness or muscle aches
• Low-grade fever
• Headache
• Nausea
• Fatigue

Side effects usually last a day or two and go away on their own. You can also manage them with rest and over-the-counter medicines like ibuprofen.

Where Can I Get A Flu Shot?

You can receive a flu vaccine every year from your local pharmacy, primary care provider, or urgent care clinic. MainStreet Family Care offers flu vaccines through our urgent care services!

Further Preventing The Flu

Getting your yearly flu vaccine is the first step in protecting you and loved ones from the flu. But you can take other precautions too! We recommend these standard hygiene tips:

• Wash your hands. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your face. This helps keep germs away from your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Cover your mouth. Cough or sneeze into a tissue, elbow or sleeve instead of your hands. Then wash your hands.
• Stay home if you’re sick. You’ll want to stay home until you feel better and have no fever for a full 24 hours. If you think you’ve come in contact with the flu, go get a flu test to be safe.
• Avoid crowds. Flu spreads so easily during the winter because more people are inside together. Try to avoid crowded spaces. When you can’t, follow the precautions above to make sure you’re safe.

Turn To MainStreet Family Care

Ready to get your yearly flu shot? MainStreet is here to help!

To visit a clinic, register online. All patients who register before their visit will be able to skip in-clinic waiting and wait from their vehicle or at home.

We love walk-ins! However, please be aware that walk-in patients may experience longer in-clinic wait times. Walk-ins are added to the same queue as those who register online.