We are entering into the height of the cold and flu season already in the Knoxville area. It seems like only yesterday we were outlining the importance of the flu shot for 2023, and yet here we are campaigning for our community to get vaccinated ahead of the 2024 season.

The flu has the potential to cause serious illness, and it can spread quickly throughout certain populations. Getting vaccinated early in the season offers the best protection against severe infection, and it can help lower our caseloads in our community.

Come see us for your flu shot at AFC Urgent Care Knoxville! We can vaccinate you quickly and help you stay healthy all season long.

Is the Flu Dangerous This Year?

Influenza is a viral infection, and viruses mutate and change all of the time in order to survive their environments. While the different strains may have different characteristics, they all tend to create similar symptoms. However, just because last year’s flu didn’t make you that sick, it doesn’t guarantee that this year’s strain won’t cause severe symptoms to appear.

The flu shot is adjusted every year to provide the best protection against the current circulating strains. This reformulation is crucial to reducing caseloads in our most vulnerable populations, like our young children and older adults. Getting your flu shot in September or October provides you with the most comprehensive protection all season.

Common Flu Symptoms

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Congestion
• Body aches
• Cough

Can I Still Get the Flu After the Flu Shot?

Historically, the flu shot is up to 60% effective at preventing illness entirely. After getting the shot, your body builds up important antibodies that will help you fight the real infection when you come into contact with it later in the season. However, that also is not a 100% guarantee.

Breakthrough cases do still happen, but the good news is that they tend to be much more mild in comparison to an unvaccinated person’s infection. Your symptoms will be more manageable and will most likely fade away in just a few days. Come see us for your flu shot today!

Reasons to Get Vaccinated Against the Flu

• The shot reduces serious respiratory illness.
• The shot is updated every year for the best protection.
• The shot could save your life.
• The shot can protect your family from exposure and our community from large outbreaks.

If you are wondering if your recent illness is the flu, come see us at AFC Urgent Care Knoxville.