What Can a Flu Shot Do for My Body?

December 1, 2022

Getting sick is never on anyone’s to-do list, especially around the holiday season. Unfortunately, this time of year is usually when it is more likely that you will get sick.

Influenza is all around us, but we have the tools at our disposal to help ward off serious illness. This is where an annual flu shot comes in handy!

Our AFC Urgent Care Chattanooga team recommends that everyone eligible should get a flu shot and we explain why that is below.

Is This Flu Shot Different From Last Year’s?

Viruses are constantly evolving and changing, that is just their nature! Because of this, the flu shot changes from year to year to keep up with the most current circulating strains. This is why getting the newest shot every year is the best form of protection.

The one thing that is constant about the shot is that it contains bits of deactivated flu virus, which is what creates an immune response in your body. Once your body recognizes it as an invader, it gets to work building those important antibodies that you need in order to fight off the real virus later.

The Importance of a Yearly Flu Shot

It reduces your risk of death due to the flu.
It can reduce the number of days you are sick if you do get the flu.
The shot changes each year to tailor to the most common strain.
The shot helps with herd immunity.

What Are My Chances of Getting Really Sick From the Flu?

It is hard to tell! You never really know how your body will react to the flu, especially if you haven’t gotten your flu shot. Some people only experience mild symptoms and others suffer through an extreme inflammatory response in their brains, hearts and muscle tissues. This could lead to multi-organ failure or sepsis.

All of this can be avoided by getting your flu shot! If you have any vulnerable people in your life like older adults or really young children, getting vaccinated helps keep them from getting sick as well.