Who Should Get a Flu Shot? – Guidance from the Doctors at South Tampa Immediate Care

who-should-get-a-flu-shotThe annual advent of flu season follows shortly after children return to school. You surely want to avoid suffering the misery and inconvenience of a pounding head and aching body wracked with a fever, nausea, and non-stop coughing. But, you also understandably don’t want to get a flu shot if it’s unnecessary. After all, no one likes getting a shot. So, is it worth it? The Doctors at South Tampa Immediate Care can provide some guidance.

While most people recover from the flu without problems, it can sometimes lead to severe complications that require hospitalization (like pneumonia), worsen existing illnesses, and, in rare cases, result in death. Getting a flu shot can help you avoid these serious risks. Because flu viruses change constantly, you should receive a shot each year in the fall. Even though the vaccine may not always prevent you from getting the flu, it can ease your symptoms and reduce the chance of complications when you do.

Contrary to popular belief, a flu shot will not cause you to get the flu. Rather, the vaccine contains flu viruses in an inert form, which your immune system is still able to recognize. As a result, your immune system is stimulated to create antibodies, usually within two weeks of receiving the shot. If you come into contact with the viruses after that time, your body will be better able to defend itself and fend off illness.

When deciding whether to get a flu shot, keep the following factors in mind:

  • With a few exceptions, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend a flu shot for everyone older than six months.

  • If you are currently ill, allergic to eggs, or have had an adverse reaction to a flu vaccine in the past, you should not get a flu shot without first consulting with your physician.

  • The flu vaccine is especially important for individuals who have a high-risk of complications, such as young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and anyone with a weak immune system or chronic disease.

  • If you are a caregiver for a high-risk patient, you should get the shot to reduce the chance of spreading the virus to the person to whom you are providing care.

The flu virus can spread rapidly from person to person through coughing and sneezing. Therefore, in addition to an annual flu shot, one of the best ways to prevent spreading the flu virus is to wash your hands, thoroughly and often, for at least 20 seconds at a time.

For more tips on how to keep yourself and your family healthy, be sure to check out our online series of health articles. If you have questions or would like to receive a flu shot, please contact or visit a Tampa doctor at the South Tampa Immediate Care walk-in clinic.