Winter Is Almost Over: Should I Still Get the Flu Shot?

Every year, the flu virus evolves — and so should your approach to staying healthy. While skipping the flu shot this year might be tempting, the risks can be much more significant than you think. 

At Summit Primary Care in La Junta, Denver, Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and Englewood, Colorado, we’re dedicated to keeping our community safe and informed. Here’s why the flu shot remains a must-have for your health checklist.

The flu shot protects against severe illness

The most important reason to get the flu shot is that it helps prevent severe illness. Even if you're otherwise healthy, the flu can hit hard. It can lead to further complications like bronchitis, pneumonia, or sinus infections, which can be dangerous. 

For high-risk groups, the flu can be life-threatening. Young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions are more at risk of complications. 

You reduce the risk of developing serious complications by getting the flu shot. The vaccine prompts your immune system to fight off the virus, which can lessen the severity of symptoms and lower the chances of hospitalization or death. While it might not entirely prevent you from catching the flu, it significantly reduces your risk of severe outcomes.

Flu viruses change every year

Another reason to get the flu shot yearly is that the virus changes. The flu virus constantly mutates, meaning the strains circulating one year may not be the same as those circulating the next. The flu vaccine is updated yearly to match the most common strains of the current season. 

Even if you received the flu shot last year, this year's vaccine may protect you from different strains. That's why it's important to get vaccinated every year. It's not just about boosting your immune system.

The flu shot helps protect those around you

Vaccinating yourself lowers your chances of contracting and spreading the flu to vulnerable individuals, including young children, elderly family members, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.

Widespread vaccination helps reduce the spread of the virus in the broader community, a concept known as herd immunity. The flu becomes significantly harder to spread when many people are vaccinated. By getting the flu shot, you safeguard your health and protect your family, friends, and coworkers.

Flu vaccines are safe 

It's natural to have concerns about vaccines. However, you can rest assured that the flu shot is safe because health experts thoroughly test and monitor the flu vaccine for safety. The risks of severe side effects are very rare. Most people experience mild side effects like fatigue, injection-site soreness, or a low-grade fever, which resolve quickly.

In addition, if you do get sick, the flu vaccine can help diminish the severity of your illness, which can make a big difference in how quickly you recover.

Who should consult a doctor before getting the flu shot?

While the flu shot is safe for most people, there are certain situations where you should check with us before getting vaccinated, including:

Severe allergies

If you’ve had a severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to a previous flu vaccine or any of its components, you should consult our team before getting vaccinated. We can evaluate your situation and recommend the best action to protect you from the flu while minimizing risks.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)

Guillain-Barré Syndrome is a rare condition that can cause muscle weakness and paralysis. If you have a history of GBS, we discuss the risks and benefits of the flu shot to help you decide if vaccination is appropriate for you this year.

Current illness

If you’re feeling sick with a moderate or severe illness, waiting until you’ve recovered before getting the flu shot is generally recommended. Mild illnesses, such as a cold, are usually not a reason to delay vaccination, but it’s always good to check with us to ensure the timing is right.

Schedule your flu shot today

Ready to protect yourself this flu season? If you have questions about the flu shot or need to schedule your appointment, give us a call or book online now.