Flu Shot: How Effective is It?

With the world already turned upside down from coronavirus, some of us may find ourselves forgetting about the flu. Health experts have no idea how the flu and coronavirus will interact with each other. What we do know is that getting a flu shot is going to be more important this year than ever before. With health being a priority this year, you might be wondering about flu shot effectiveness. 

What Is a Flu Shot?

A flu shot is an immunization against the influenza virus, which causes the flu. This vaccine will introduce different, tiny parts of flu viruses to your body. This will trigger your immune system into working to figure out how to destroy the virus particles. By doing this, your body will remember how to defend itself from flu viruses in the future. 

The Flu vs. COVID-19 

Until the flu hits, we cannot be sure how the flu and coronavirus will interact with each other. What we do know is that a flu shot can prevent a person from wondering if they have the flu or COVID-19. It is easy to confuse the two, as they share symptoms such as fever, dry cough, aches, chills, fatigue, sore throat, vomiting, and diarrhea. If a person has a flu shot, they will be able to rule out the flu as the cause of any symptoms they may be experiencing and seek out a COVID-19 test. 

Your health isn’t the only reason why experts are urging people to get flu shots this year. The CDC predicts that COVID-19 will hospitalize thousands and kill hundreds a day into September with more drastic spikes in the coming months. During flu season, many with the flu need to be hospitalized. If the majority of the U.S. residents were to get a flu shot, hospitalization could be avoided. This means that hospitals would have more space for those suffering from coronavirus. 

Flu Shot Effectiveness 

Recent studies by the CDC have shown that the flu shot reduces the risk of the flu by between 40% and 60%. The flu shot effectiveness wears off over time, which is why it is important to get a flu shot during the recommended months. The best time to get a flu shot is by the end of October. However, if you cannot get a flu shot until the middle of the flu season, it is still worth it. You will be protected during the rest of the flu season from getting sick. Some may think that it is a good idea to get a flu shot early in July or August. However, this is not a good idea. The effectiveness of the flu shot will die down before the flu season ends, putting you at risk. 

At a certain age, children will need to get two flu vaccines. For this reason, it is a good idea to get a head start on flu vaccinations in early fall. Some locations offer flu mist, which is sprayed up a child’s nose. While it is less stressful than an injection, this option is less effective than a flu shot. 

Flu Shot Near Me 

Located in Walnut Creek, California, BASS Urgent Care offers flu vaccinations all season. We can also offer assistance if you happen to come down with the flu. While you may have to wait weeks to visit your regular doctor, BASS Advanced Urgent Care will be able to see you within minutes. Our facility is at low-risk of COVID-19, as we keep up with the CDC’s cleanliness recommendations. To book an appointment with BASS Urgent Care, visit our website. Or give us a call at (925) 329-3718.