Definitely. The CDC even suggests that a flu shot this year is more important than in years past. Why, you ask?

Well, read on as our team at AFC Urgent Care Southcenter provides the answers you need.

Why Do I Need a Flu Shot?

The bottom line is that the flu vaccine is the best defense against the flu there is. Although the flu shot doesn’t totally wipe out your chances of getting the virus, the vaccine greatly aids in minimizing the effects it has on your body. And with millions of people getting hospitalized every year with the sickness, you need all the help you can get.

Because of that fact, the CDC strongly recommends that you get the flu shot. With so many hospitals and medical resources being already occupied by COVID-19 patients, there simply is not enough room for the usual amount of influenza patients.

Other Important Flu Shot Benefits

• Reduces the risk of pregnant women getting the virus
• Reduces the risk of children getting the virus
• Reduces risk of the immunocompromised getting the virus

Does Getting the Flu Shot Protect Against COVID-19?

No, it doesn’t. The flu and COVID-19 are two completely different illnesses and caused by different viruses, but experts still highly recommend that you get the vaccine anyway.

That’s because this fall the flu season will collide with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, a phenomenon being called a “twindemic.” If both illnesses run rampant, our healthcare system could quickly be overwhelmed.

Other Ways to Fight Against COVID-19

• Wear a mask when in public.
• Wash your hands often for 20 seconds at a time.
• Frequently sanitize high trafficked areas in your home.
• Don’t hang out with people that are sick.
• Avoid large gatherings or crowds.

Need your flu shot? Stop by AFC Urgent Care Southcenter and we will make sure you’re taken care of.