Once the weather starts to cool and the sun sets sooner and sooner, you start to realize that flu season is right around the corner. That thought is usually quickly followed by whether or not you should get a flu shot. If you ask the medical community that gives the flu shot Los Angeles, you’ll get a solid and resounding yes. But, it isn’t unreasonable to have an endless list of questions, especially, when there’s someone in front of you with a needle.
The flu virus and the flu vaccine are comprised of more than one virus.
It’s a common misconception that there is only one version of the flu virus. Fact is, there are several different strains – but they all function similarly. Every winter, the flu epidemic spreads globally, with around three or four dominant strains. It is up to scientists to predict and pinpoint which three or four will be those dominant strains. Once they do that, the vaccines are then grown inside chicken eggs or specialized bacteria (the two most common methods). They then kill the virus and package the dead pieces with other ingredients to make up a vaccine.
The flu vaccine cannot give you the flu.
Another misconception about the flu virus is that it can give you the flu. It is actually impossible to get the flu from the flu virus since dead viruses cannot infect you. There is a chance that you may experience muscle aches, achy arms, and a low-grade fever. This is actually a good thing; it means that your immune system is responding to the vaccine. However, if you don’t experience any of these symptoms, don’t worry, it doesn’t mean it’s not working.
When should you get it and how long will it be effective?
The vaccine typically takes two to three weeks to be fully effective. Since this is the case, your doctor will recommend that you get the shot as soon as it is available. Flu season usually lasts between mid-fall and early spring. The shot effectiveness varies between each individual, but generally speaking, the shot will last you six months to a year.
The primary goal of the vaccine is not to actually prevent the flu.
Ideally, the vaccine will prevent you from being infected by the flu but that is actually the secondary reason why doctors recommend the shot for everyone. The principal goal of the vaccine is to prevent an epidemic and to reduce the severity of the infection. Essentially, if you do get the flu and you got the vaccine the symptoms will not be as severe. Your immune system was already primed to deal with it. Also, not everyone can get the vaccine so the more people that get the vaccine will keep it from spreading to epidemic levels.
About Vermont Urgent Care
Vermont Urgent Care is a trusted distributor of the flu shot Los Angeles. The medical team at this medical facility has years of knowledge and experience and truly care about their patients. Follow Vermont Urgent Care on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for health tips and news.
