With the arrival of the flu season, it’s always essential to think ahead for preventative measures. One of the most effective ways to safeguard yourself and your family members against the flu is by getting the flu vaccine shot early.

The flu vaccine shot is usually available each year from September onwards, and it’s advisable to get the shot before the virus spreads widely in your community.

What Is Influenza?

Influenza, popularly referred to as the flu, is a contagious respiratory disease caused by the influenza virus. The virus spreads from person to person via air droplets when an infected individual sneezes, talks, or coughs.

It can also go from one person to another by direct contact, such as touching a contaminated object and then touching your nose or mouth. The flu typically presents itself with symptoms such as fever, fatigue, cough, sore throat, body aches, and chills.

Why Should You Get the Flu Vaccine Shot Early?

The flu is a highly contagious and dangerous disease for vulnerable individuals. On average, it affects millions of people worldwide, and hundreds of thousands need hospitalization due to severe complications.

Getting the flu vaccine shot is a crucial preventive measure that can significantly reduce your chances of contracting the flu virus or developing severe flu symptoms.

There are several benefits to getting the flu vaccine shot early, including:.

1. Increased Effectiveness

The flu vaccine’s effectiveness decreases over time, necessitating the need for yearly vaccination.

By getting the shot early, your body will have enough time to build up its immunity against the virus, which will increase the vaccine’s effectiveness. Early administration of the vaccine also means that you’re likely to remain protected during the peak of the flu season and reduce your chances of getting the flu.

2. Availability

After the flu season starts, there’s usually a high demand for the flu vaccine shot. Getting the shot early ensures that you’re not missing out on the vaccine because of unavailability or long-waiting lines.

It’s always advisable to schedule your vaccination appointment in advance to ensure that you get the vaccine at a time that suits you.

3. Protecting Yourself and Your Loved Ones

Getting the flu vaccine shot early isn’t just about protecting yourself but also your loved ones and your community.

The vaccine works by creating herd immunity, which means that the more people in a community that are vaccinated, the fewer chances of the flu spreading. By getting the vaccine early, you’re helping to reduce the spread of the flu virus, which can be particularly dangerous to vulnerable individuals such as the elderly and children.

Who Should Get the Flu Vaccine?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone above the age of six months should get the flu vaccine, except in cases where a physician advises otherwise.

Individuals at higher risk of developing flu complications such as older adults, pregnant women, people living with chronic medical conditions, and children under five years old should prioritize getting the vaccination.

What Are the Different Types of Flu Vaccines?

There are different types of flu vaccines available, and your physician will recommend the most suitable one for you. They include:.

1. Inactivated Influenza Vaccine

The inactivated influenza vaccine doesn’t contain live flu viruses but contains parts of the virus. It’s available in the form of injectable vaccines administered on the arm muscle.

It’s also available as a high-dose injection for individuals aged above 65 years.

2. Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine

The live attenuated influenza vaccine contains weakened flu viruses, making it ideal for healthy individuals aged between two and 49 years who are not pregnant. It’s available in the form of a nasal spray.

3. Recombinant Influenza Vaccine

The recombinant influenza vaccine contains only the proteins found on the surface of the flu virus’s cell, making it ideal for those susceptible to severe allergic reactions to flu vaccines made from chicken eggs.

It’s available in the form of an injectable vaccine.

Conclusion

The flu virus can be extremely dangerous, especially for vulnerable individuals. Preventative measures such as getting the flu vaccine shot early can help reduce your chances of contracting the virus or developing severe symptoms.

It’s essential to consult your physician to determine the most suitable vaccine for you and schedule your vaccination appointment early enough before the flu season peaks.