Flu Shot Germantown, TN
Getting your yearly flu shot can save you from an unnecessary period of illness. This can help protect both you and the people around you. The flu shot is a safe and easy way to immunize yourself against one of the most common seasonal diseases.
Flu shots are available at People First Urgent & Primary Care Germantown in Germantown and the surrounding area. Save yourself from all the unpleasantry of an unwanted, preventable virus. Call us today at (901) 257-3077 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
The History of the Flu
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the 1918 influenza pandemic was one of the most severe pandemics in recent history. Although there are differing opinions on the origins of the virus, it became a worldwide issue from 1918 to 1919. The pandemic itself was caused by an H1N1 virus with genes of avian origin.
A new strain of influenza emerged in the spring of 2009: the influenza A (H1N1)pdm09 virus — more commonly known as the swine flu. This strain was unique in that it contained a combination of influenza genes that had not previously been seen in animals or people. Interestingly, the virus affected primarily younger people, with almost one-third of those over 60 years old having antibodies against the virus.
“…the 1918 influenza pandemic was one of the most severe pandemics in recent history.”
Who Needs a Flu Shot
With very few exceptions, everyone six months and older should get a flu vaccine every season — especially those at high risk of serious influenza-related complications. These include adults 65 years and older, adults with chronic health conditions, and more.
Patients should not get the flu shot if they have severe, life-threatening allergies to the flu vaccine or any ingredient in the vaccine (such as gelatin, antibiotics, et cetera). Those with an allergy to eggs or Guillain-Barré Syndrome should consult with their doctor. It takes about two weeks for the flu shot to provide protection against the flu, so patients should plan accordingly
“With very few exceptions, everyone six months and older should get a flu vaccine every season — especially those at high risk of serious influenza-related complications.”
Why Get a Flu Shot
Flu shots can reduce doctors' visits and missed work and school days. It can also prevent flu-related hospitalizations and deaths. Plus, as stated by Healthline, it is the most effective way to prevent contracting the flu.
However, it is still possible to get the flu after vaccination — though symptoms are likely to be milder for those who have been vaccinated. Similarly, the flu shot lowers patients' risk of hospitalizations or complications — particularly in older adults, pregnant women and their infants, people with chronic conditions, and children.
“With very few exceptions, everyone six months and older should get a flu vaccine every season — especially those at high risk of serious influenza-related complications.”
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How Often to Get a Flu Shot
In most cases, getting a flu shot will protect a patient for the rest of the current flu season. This immunity is due to the body's immunity to the flu will decrease over time — regardless of whether the patient has recently had a vaccination or been infected by the flu.
Influenza viruses are also constantly changing, meaning a vaccine from the previous flu season may not protect the patient from the "newer" strain of influenza in the upcoming flu season. As such, patients must receive a flu vaccine once a year.
“…the body’s immunity to the flu will decrease over time — regardless of whether the patient has recently had a vaccination or been infected by the flu.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. When did the flu virus first appear?
Q. Who should not get the flu vaccine?
Q. What are the risks of not getting a flu shot?
Q. Why should I get a flu shot every year?
Q. Will the flu shot give me the flu?
People Also Ask
Q. What can a doctor's office do in terms of shots?
Q. What is the difference between the common cold and flu?
Q. A primary care doctor may prescribe antibiotics for ear pain caused by an infection?
Effectiveness of the Flu Shot
Since influenza viruses are constantly changing and evolving, they may mutate from one season to the next. As such, researchers must select which specific influenza viruses to include in the shot months before flu season actually begins. Consequently, the vaccine may not always protect against the virus that is actually circulating during flu season — which may affect the overall effectiveness of the flu shot.
There are many different types of flu vaccine: flu shot, quadrivalent flu vaccine, high-dose flu vaccine, cell-based flu vaccines, nasal spray flu vaccine, flu vaccination by jet injector, adjuvanted vaccine, and recombinant flu vaccines. Each is made with an inactivated virus, meaning they cannot cause the patient to develop the flu. However, side effects may include:
- General aches and pains
- Low-grade fever
- Redness, swelling, or soreness at the injection site
“Since influenza viruses are constantly changing and evolving, they may mutate from one season to the next.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Will there be new flu viruses circulating this season?
A. Flu viruses are constantly adapting and changing. It is not unusual for each year to see new flu viruses. You can read more about how flu viruses change on the CDC's website.
Q. When does flu activity begin and when will it peak?
A. This is difficult to predict. The answer varies depending on where in the country you are and may change from season to season.
Q. How does the flu spread?
A. Flu spreads from person to person, from up to six feet away. Most experts believe that flu viruses are spread primarily via respiratory droplets. These droplets can infect a person once they land in their mouth or nose. Alternatively, a person may become infected by touching an infected surface or object and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes.
Q. What is the period of contagiousness for flu?
A. Persons infected with the flu are most contagious in the first three to four days after their illness has begun. However, some otherwise healthy adults may begin infecting others one day before developing symptoms and up to five to seven days after becoming sick. Young children and immunocompromised persons may also be able to infect others with flu viruses for even longer.
Q. Besides getting the flu shot, how else can I protect myself against the flu?
A. As mentioned earlier, getting a vaccine is the best way to protect yourself against the flu. However, taking other precautions is also important. This includes washing hands often, covering coughs, and avoiding those who are ill. Your healthcare provider may also prescribe you antiviral drugs as a second line of defense against the flu. However, these medications cannot substitute vaccination.
Start Feeling Better – Visit Us Today
By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options.
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Definition of Medical Terminology
Call Us Today
Getting your flu shot can save you from flu-related doctor's visits, complications, and more. We at People First Urgent & Primary Care Germantown can help. Call us today at 901-257-3077 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Helpful Related Links
- American Journal of Medicine. American Journal of Medicine. 2022
- American Medical Association (AMA). American Medical Association (AMA). 2022
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2022
- National Institutes of Health. National Institutes of Health. 2022
- Vaccinate Your Family. Vaccinate Your Family. 2022
About our business and website security
- People First Urgent & Primary Care Germantown was established in 2022.
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- We serve patients from the following counties: Shelby County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Germantown, Collierville, Memphis, Bartlett, Rossville, and Piperton
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