Flu Season Q&A

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Every flu season is different, and the flu affects every person differently. Millions of people get the flu every year, and in most cases it is a mild illness that doesn?t require extensive medical care. However, it is possible for a healthy person to become very sick as a result of the flu.

There are different strains of the flu virus, different symptoms for every person and different flu shots a person can receive. That?s why its important to understand how the flu virus works, how it spreads and how to prevent it. Below is a helpful Q&A with information from the Centers for Disease Control.

Why should I get vaccinated?

An annual flu vaccination is the best way to protect against the virus. With uncomfortable symptoms and a few days of missed work or school as the best-case scenario and hospitalization or death as the worst outcome, it is best to take steps to prevent the virus by getting a flu shot.

When should I get vaccinated?

Flu season, when the virus spreads most rapidly in the United States, is October-February. The flu vaccine is available beginning in August and September, so it is best to get vaccinated as soon as it is available. However, it is still important to get vaccinated even if it later in the season.

How does the vaccine work?

Flu vaccines contain dead or inactive strains of the virus, which help the body develop antibodies. These antibodies provide protection against infection with the viruses in the vaccine. The seasonal flu vaccine protects against the influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming season.

Does the vaccine work right away?

No. It takes about two weeks for the antibodies to develop in the body. This is why it is best to get vaccinated as soon as possible each year.

What types of vaccines are available?

The CDC recommends the use of injectable influenza vaccines. It does not encourage the use of the nasal spray vaccine due to recent lack of effectiveness. The nasal spray is not available for the 2017-2018 flu season at The Little Clinic.  

The seasonal flu vaccine protects against the influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming season. Traditional flu vaccines, called ?trivalent? are made to protect against three common flu viruses. There are also flu vaccines made to protect against four flu viruses (called ?quadrivalent? vaccines). These vaccines protect against the same viruses as the trivalent vaccine and an additional virus.

Can I still get the flu after getting vaccinated?

Yes. A person?s health is a factor in determining the effectiveness of the vaccine, and so is the vaccine?s similarity to the actual strains circulating. It is possible that the flu virus circulating is not closely matched to the viruses included in the vaccine, raising the likelihood that the vaccine will not be effective.

Kroger and The Little Clinic have a great reason for you to stop by our clinics to receive your shot. For every flu shot administered this season at The Little Clinic or Kroger Pharmacy, Kroger will donate one meal to the Feeding America network of food banks through its One Shot/One Meal Initiative.

To learn more about the One Shot, One Meal program or to find a clinic near you, visit www.TheLittleClinic.com.

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