Spotlight on CareSpot

Carespot: Tips for Fleeing the Flu and Facts about the Vaccine

Cooler weather has quickly fallen upon us, and while we’ve been busy enjoying the past couple months of rustling leaves, tailgating (responsibly) for our favorite football teams and indulging in pumpkin-spiced everything, flu season has also gotten underway.

There’s no time like the present to protect yourself from the flu. It’s recommended that most people get an influenza vaccination in order to significantly diminish the chances of suffering from a debilitating flu virus. Your conveniently located CareSpot offers same-day vaccines for flu as well as many other immunizations. Just walk in, call ahead or schedule online at CareSpot.com for a quick and easy flu shot.

When should you get the vaccine?

Late November through February marks prime flu season. It’s recommended that you get your shot at least two weeks before flu season hits its peak, and the sooner the better. Even if you don’t get the vaccine before flu season hits prime time, get the vaccine as soon as possible to help minimize your chances of getting the flu and boost your chances of having less severe symptoms if you do get sick.

Who should receive the immunization?

The CDC recommends that everyone six months of age and older receive a vaccination every year to protect against the influenza virus. Influenza immunizations are also particularly important for people with health issues that could be exacerbated by the flu. Some examples include people with asthma, emphysema, heart disease, high blood pressure, and those with already weakened immune systems.

What are possible complications from the flu?

Complications from the flu can include pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections and even death. According to the CDC, every year there are more than 200,000 hospitalizations related to seasonal influenza, so it’s important to protect yourself.

Others at higher risk of having flu-related complications include people over 65, pregnant mothers and residents of highly populated facilities such as hospitals, nursing homes, college dorms and military barracks. If you experience complications from the flu such as bronchitis or sinus infections, visit CareSpot for further evaluation and a treatment plan.

Who should not get a flu shot?

You should not get the vaccine if you are allergic to any component that’s in the vial. The most common flu shots contain egg protein, though there are now immunization options that are free of eggs for those over the age of 18. If you think you have an egg allergy, consult your health professional about getting the recombinant trivalent flu vaccine.

It’s also not a good idea to get your flu shot if you’re already sick. If you are sick, it’s recommended that you wait a week or so until your symptoms have subsided.

If you get the flu shot, are you totally impervious to the flu this year?

You’re not exactly impervious, but at least you’re more protected. The flu vaccine is an educated guess on the most common type of flu viruses that will be prevalent in a given year. While the prominent strain of the flu changed in 2014, making the vaccine less effective, this year’s vaccine is predicted to be a better match for those strains that have already begun to emerge.

Regardless of the year-to-year changes with the influenza virus and a vaccine’s effectiveness, flu shots are still the best way to defend oneself against flu and flu-like symptoms. If you do end up getting sick, the vaccination will most likely help keep your symptoms on the milder side.

Can I get the flu from the shot?

No. This is a common misconception. The shot does contain flu viruses, but these viruses have been deactivated and purified. However, you might experience side effects such as a low-grade fever, body aches, or soreness near the site of the shot.

Same-day flu shots are available at CareSpot, with extended hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays. Get vaccinated today and practice common-sense measures such as avoiding those who are sick, washing hands frequently with soap and water and disinfecting surfaces at home and work.

What other services does CareSpot provide? 

In partnership with HCA Midwest Health, CareSpot provides urgent care for seasonal illnesses, infections and many injuries, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., seven days a week. Because life’s surprises don’t always happen during regular business hours, CareSpot is available with care when and where you need it. It’s same-day service without the expense of an ER for non-life-threatening issues. Digital X-rays and many lab tests are also available in-house for maximum convenience. In addition, you have access to a wide variety of immunizations at CareSpot–not just for flu, but also for shingles, whooping cough, HPV and more. That means you can get your immunizations, and get on with life.

Here’s to a healthy winter season, Kansas City! HLM

Visit carespot.com for the CareSpot location closest to you.