Flu Shots: Facts and Side Effects

Flu shots are administered every year to help protect against influenza. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone over the age of 6 months get a seasonal flu shot. Influenza can be severe, especially in children and adults over the age of 65. It is also more severe for pregnant women and people with underlying health conditions. Getting a shot each year is your best method of protection against the flu.

Why Is It Important to Get a Flu Shot Each Year?

Because the flu virus strains are always changing, a new flu vaccine is made each year. The vaccine must be reformulated to match the new strains of the flu virus. It’s essential to get a flu shot every year because the previous year’s vaccine will no longer be effective.

If I Get a Flu Shot, Will It Protect Me FromCOVID-19?

No. the flu vaccine will not protect you against the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes coronavirus. However, the flu shot will protect you against strains of seasonal flu viruses, which will decrease your risk of getting sick during flu season and ending up in the hospital.

Should I Get a Flu Shot During the Pandemic?

The CDC has stated that getting a flu shot for the 2020-2021 flu season is more critical than it ever has been in the past. Both the flu and COVID-19 will likely be circulating at the same time. Getting the flu vaccine will reduce your risk of getting sick and minimize the burden on the healthcare system.

Is it Possible to Get the Flu and COVID-19 At the Same Time?

Yes, it is possible to get COVID-19, the flu, and any other respiratory illness, all at once. There have been several reports of this happening across the globe. The first death from COVID-19 that occurred outside of China was a man in the Philippines who also had Streptococcus pneumoniae and influenza. Experts are still researching how common it is for people to end up with both the flu and coronavirus.

Influenza and COVID-19have similar symptoms, which makes it difficult to differentiate between them. Testing is the only way to correctly determine if you have COVID-19, the flu, or both. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued authorization of emergency use of tests capable of detecting both COVID-19 and the flu simultaneously using just one sample.

What Are the Side Effects of Getting a Flu Shot?

People have experienced mild side effects from the flu vaccine, such as:

• Low-grade fever
• Soreness
• Redness and swelling at the injection site
• Body aches

It is estimated that 1to 2% of all people who get the flu vaccine will experience a fever as a side effect. Rare but severe side effects have also been known to occur. If you experience any of the following side effects, you should seek immediate medical assistance, as these can be life-threatening.

• Difficulty breathing
• Hives
• Racing heartbeat
• Swelling around the lips or eyes
• Dizziness
• High fever

Get Your Flu Shot Today at BASS Urgent Care

Getting your flu shot is the best way to ensure you stay healthy during flu season. At BASS Urgent Care, we can provide you with a flu vaccine at a close-to-home facility. Contact us today at (925) 329-3718 for more information on getting your flu shot and what to expect during flu season 2020. We look forward to helping you and your family stay safe and healthy during this difficult time.