Many of us have had the flu at some point, and the fever, sneezing, and coughing isn’t a memory anyone wants to revisit! More than being unpleasant, however, the flu is a serious illness that can be deadly, especially when it spreads rapidly and affects vulnerable populations like seniors and children. The flu shot is the best, most effective way to combat the flu and protect yourself and your family.

What is the flu?

Influenza, also called the flu, is a respiratory virus that infects your nose, throat, and lungs. While you may think that the flu isn’t a big deal, the reality is that thousands of Americans die every year from influenza. In 2023 alone, the flu and pneumonia claimed the lives of over 45,000 people. 

Symptoms of the flu include:

• Fever
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Fatigue
• Sweating and chills

While the flu can be spread at any time of year, it is most prevalent during the cooler months. In North America, this is between October and May each year. Typically, the latest flu vaccine becomes available in September to allow you to build immunity ahead of flu season. However, you can still benefit from the vaccine even if you receive it late in the season.

What is the flu shot, and how does it work?

The flu shot is a seasonal, annual vaccination that protects you and your community from various strains of the influenza virus. After vaccination, it takes about two weeks for your body to build immunity to the flu.

The flu shot works by using a weakened or inactive version of the flu virus to train your immune system to recognize the flu, prompting it to produce antibodies. Antibodies are special proteins that your body uses to neutralize foreign invaders, like viruses and bacteria. When your body prepares these antibodies to fight the flu, it dramatically reduces your risk of contracting the virus and becoming seriously ill, and it also helps prevent you from spreading the flu to others.

Can I get my flu shot at Lincoln Urgent Care Clinics?

Absolutely! Each year, we stock our clinics with the latest flu shot so that you have easy, convenient access to the best protection available. There’s no need to endure the wait at your doctor’s office, and no need to book an appointment. Simply walk into one of our clinics in Lincoln, Granite Bay, or Roseville, California, and our friendly staff will assist you.

Why should I get the flu shot?

The flu shot is the best way to protect yourself, your family, and your community from the influenza virus. When every eligible person gets vaccinated, it builds herd immunity, which happens when most people in a group are immune to the flu. Herd immunity makes it difficult for the virus to spread. 

In addition to protecting yourself and others, you also help lighten the load on the healthcare system during the busiest season of the year for doctors and hospitals. Even if you still get the flu after receiving the shot, getting vaccinated helps prevent hospitalization or death from the flu.

Why do I need to get the flu shot every year?

The flu virus mutates quickly and frequently. New strains of the flu are constantly emerging, and the flu shot must be adjusted to target them. Last year’s flu vaccine may not protect you from new strains of the flu, so it’s important to get vaccinated every year to keep yourself and your family protected.

Who is most at risk for the flu?

While everyone is potentially at risk of contracting the flu, there are certain groups that are especially vulnerable. These people should get the flu shot as soon as it’s available each year.

Those at high risk of serious illness include:

• Seniors (age 65 and up)
• Pregnant individuals
• Young children between six months and four years old
• Individuals with certain pre-existing health conditions
• Healthcare workers
• First responders
• Residents and staff of community living settings, such as assisted living facilities

Will getting the flu shot give me the flu?

No, getting the flu shot cannot give you the flu. Depending on the type of flu shot you receive, the vaccine contains either an inactive virus (killed during its creation) or proteins from an inactive flu virus. These components are incapable of infecting you.

Side-effects from the vaccine, while rare, do occur in some cases, and include soreness at the site of injection, low-grade headache, fever, muscle aches, nausea, and fatigue. However, these side-effects usually occur shortly after injection and are mild and short-lived. They do not mean you have contracted the flu, nor do they alter the vaccine’s effectiveness.

What else can I do to prevent the flu?

While getting your flu shot is the easiest, most effective way to combat the flu, there are additional measures you can take to protect yourself and others.

To reduce the spread of the flu in your community, you should:

• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when handwashing is unavailable
• Avoid touching your face 
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue
• Clean and sanitize high-touch surfaces
• Avoid large crowds
• Avoid individuals who may be sick
• If you become ill, stay home, rest, and stay away from others until you’ve been fever-free for at least 24 hours

Protect Yourself From the Flu with Lincoln Urgent Care

Don’t let the flu derail your plans this holiday season! Drop into one of our urgent care clinics in Lincoln, Granite Bay, or Roseville,  to claim your flu shot and protect yourself, your family, and your community. No appointment needed! Walk into one of our clinics today, and our experienced team will be happy to help!

Lincoln Urgent Care: (916) 258-2751

Granite Bay Urgent Care: (916) 570-7265

Lincoln Urgent Care Roseville: (916) 727-6846