Take Your Shot at the Flu

Every year, seasonal influenza (flu) affects millions of people worldwide. While many recover within a week or two, the flu can lead to serious complications, especially for young children, older adults, pregnant individuals and people with certain chronic health conditions. One of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of illness and protect communities is by getting an annual flu vaccine.

Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It spreads mainly through droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. Common symptoms include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches, fatigue and headaches. In some cases, the flu can lead to complications such as pneumonia, dehydration or worsening of existing medical conditions.

"Influenza can result in serious complications, hospitalization and death," said Mike Pitt, PharmD, Corporate Director of Outpatient Pharmacy Services for Cape Fear Valley Health. "Annual vaccination is the primary means of preventing influenza and is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It not only helps to protect you, but your loved ones as well."

Flu viruses change constantly through small genetic changes, meaning the strains circulating each flu season may differ from the previous year. Pitt says each year the flu vaccine is tailored to the strains of influenza that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming season, so receiving the vaccine each year helps keep your immunity as current as possible.

Benefits of Getting Vaccinated

Reduces Your Risk of Getting Sick

The flu vaccine lowers the chance of becoming infected. Even when it does not completely prevent illness, it often reduces the severity of symptoms and shortens the duration of the disease.

Helps Prevent Serious Complications

Vaccination significantly decreases the risk of hospitalization and severe illness. It is especially important for people at higher risk of complications, including infants; older adults; pregnant individuals and those with heart disease, diabetes, asthma or weakened immune systems.

Protects Others

Getting vaccinated not only helps protect you but also reduces the spread of influenza within your family, workplace, school and community. This community protection is particularly valuable for people who cannot receive the vaccine or who may not develop a strong immune response.

Reduces Healthcare Burden

Fewer flu cases mean fewer doctor visits, hospitalizations and missed days of work or school. Annual vaccination helps lessen the strain on healthcare systems during flu season.

Flu vaccines undergo extensive testing and continuous safety monitoring before and after they become available. Most side effects are mild and temporary, such as soreness at the injection site, mild fatigue or a low-grade fever. Serious adverse reactions are rare.

It is important to know that the flu vaccine cannot cause influenza. Some vaccines contain inactivated virus, while others use weakened viruses that are designed not to cause flu illness in healthy people.

Health authorities recommend annual flu vaccination for nearly everyone aged six months and older, with few exceptions. It is particularly important for:

• Adults aged 65 years and older

• Young children

• Pregnant individuals

• People with chronic medical conditions

• Healthcare workers

• Caregivers and those who live with individuals at high risk

People with certain allergies or medical conditions should consult a healthcare professional about the most appropriate vaccine for them.

Vaccination works best when combined with healthy habits, including:

• Washing your hands regularly with soap and water

• Covering coughs and sneezes

• Staying home when you are sick

• Cleaning frequently touched surfaces

• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle through good nutrition, regular exercise, adequate sleep and stress management

The flu vaccine is a simple, safe and effective way to protect yourself and those around you from seasonal influenza. Although no vaccine provides 100% protection, annual vaccination greatly reduces the risk of severe illness, hospitalization and complications. Combined with good hygiene and healthy habits, getting a flu shot each year is one of the best steps you can take to stay healthy during flu season.

Flu vaccines are available at all Cape Fear Valley retail pharmacies (Center, Hoke, Pavilion and Lillington Pharmacies) with no appointment necessary.

"You do not need to have insurance to get the flu vaccine," Pitt says, "but in most cases, insurance does cover it."

Contact your nearest Cape Fear Valley pharmacy for more information or visit capefearvalley.com/services/pharmacy-services.