The holidays are upon us once again. With all of the festivities going on, it’s an excellent chance to reconnect with friends and family. But, while these get-togethers can brighten our days, they can also provide seasonal diseases new opportunities to spread. With so many people often celebrating in close proximity indoors, opportunistic viruses such as influenza can pass more easily from one person to another. And, there are few things worse than being sick in bed for the holidays. But, there is something you can do to keep yourself protected from the flu this year. Hendrick Urgent Care offers flu shots to keep Abilene residents safer this holiday season. Find out why now is the time to get your flu vaccine if you haven’t already this year.
What Is the Flu and How Does It Spread?
Influenza is a highly contagious disease that infects the respiratory passages. When a person infected with influenza coughs, talks, or sneezes, droplets containing the virus can spread to others who come into contact with them. Flu can also spread when a person touches a contaminated surface and then touches a potential entry point for the disease, such as the mouth, nose, or eyes. Flu symptoms can range from mild to severe, and flu infection can be deadly in some instances. Common signs of the flu can include:
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Fever
- Chills
- Body aches
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headaches
- Sinus pressure
- Fatigue
These symptoms can cause considerable discomfort for infected individuals. However, it is also possible for a person to become infected without exhibiting any signs. While asymptomatic individuals may not show any obvious symptoms, they can still spread the disease to others. This is one reason why vaccination is especially important, since it’s possible to come into close contact with someone carrying the virus without even knowing it.
What Makes This Year’s Vaccine So Important?
With few exceptions, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone over six months of age get an influenza vaccine every season. However, this influenza season flu shots may have an even greater level of importance for Abilene residents and others across the U.S.
This year’s flu vaccine is quadrivalent, meaning it is designed to safeguard against four types of influenza that are projected to be the most virulent this season. It can also be administered in conjunction with COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots. Being vaccinated against COVID-19 and the flu can reduce a person’s chances of coinfection (being infected by both at the same time). A coinfection can lead to longer-term and more severe health issues, so becoming vaccinated against both diseases can deliver additional layers of protection.
Are You Searching for Flu Shots in Abilene?
Now that you know what makes flu shots so important this season, it’s time to schedule yours at our Abilene urgent care. Call 325-999-9680 or check-in online to get started. Walk-ins are also welcome. Protect yourself against the flu and enjoy the holidays to the fullest with health services from Hendrick Urgent Care!