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    Why Getting Your Flu Shot Matters

    woman sneezing into tissue next to ailing husband with headache and flu symptoms
     

    According to the National Institutes of Health, seasonal influenza (the flu) is responsible for more than 36,000 deaths and 200,000 hospitalizations in the U.S. each year. In addition, up to 1 in 5 Americans come down with the flu annually, often leaving them sick and stuck at home for days.

    If you’re unsure whether to get a flu shot this year, consider both the pros and cons before making your decision.

    Potential Drawbacks of the Flu Shot:

    • It’s a needle – you may feel a quick pinch and some soreness around the injection site.
    • Mild side effects like a low-grade fever, headache, or muscle aches can occur for a day or two.
    • While updated annually, the vaccine is generally 40–60% effective.
    • It can take up to two weeks for the vaccine to start protecting you.

    The Benefits:

    Despite minor inconveniences, flu shots are safe and highly recommended by health experts. Here's why:

    • They help prevent illness and reduce the risk of doctor visits, hospitalizations, and flu-related deaths.
    • Getting vaccinated helps protect those around you, especially the elderly, young children, and those with weakened immune systems.
    • If you do catch the flu, having the vaccine often leads to a milder illness, and can:
      • Shorten hospital stays
      • Lower the risk of ICU admission
      • Reduce the chance of death from flu complications

    In addition, each year, flu shots tend to get better at targeting the most prominent strain of the upcoming flu season. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months and older receive a flu vaccine every year.

    SageWest Health Care strongly supports this recommendation – we’d much rather see you for a quick, preventive shot than for treatment after a serious bout of flu.

    Ready to protect yourself and your community?

    Schedule your flu shot appointment with your primary care provider (PCP). If you don’t have a PCP, find one here.