Every year, influenza affects millions of people across the country. While many people recover within a week or two, the flu can also lead to serious complications, especially for older adults, young children, and anyone with chronic health conditions. At ExpressMED in Manchester and Salem, NH, we focus on keeping our community healthy with preventive care, including the annual flu shot.
Below is a clear breakdown of why flu shots are important, how they work, who should get one, and how they help protect you throughout flu season.
What Is the Flu Shot?
The flu shot is a vaccine that helps protect your body from the most common and active strains of influenza each year. Because flu viruses continually change, the vaccine is updated annually to match the strains expected to circulate during the upcoming flu season.
Flu shots cannot give you the flu. They contain either inactivated viruses or small pieces of flu virus proteins that help your immune system recognize and fight the real virus if you’re exposed.
How Flu Shots Work
After receiving a flu shot, your immune system begins developing antibodies. These antibodies act as your defense tools, ready to identify and attack flu viruses quickly. It takes about two weeks to build full protection after vaccination, which is why getting your flu shot early in the season is recommended.
Flu vaccines help:
- Reduce your risk of getting sick
- Make symptoms milder if you do catch the flu
- Decrease the likelihood of complications and hospitalizations
Who Should Get a Flu Shot?
The CDC recommends that everyone age 6 months and older receive a flu shot each year unless advised otherwise by a healthcare provider.
Flu vaccination is especially important for individuals at higher risk, including:
- Adults 65 and older
- Pregnant individuals
- Children under age 5
- Those with asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or weakened immune systems
- Healthcare workers and caregivers
- People who live with or care for high-risk individuals
Flu shots are also a smart choice for anyone who wants to minimize sick days, protect their household, or stay healthy during the busy winter months.
Why Flu Shots Are So Helpful
1. They Reduce the Spread of the Flu
By protecting yourself, you help protect others, especially vulnerable community members who depend on herd immunity.
2. They Lower the Risk of Severe Illness
Flu vaccines significantly reduce the chance of developing complications that lead to emergency care or hospitalization.
3. They Make Illness Milder if You Do Get Sick
Even in years when the match is not perfect, the flu shot helps your body respond more efficiently, making symptoms shorter and less severe.
4. They Support Community Health in Manchester and Salem
High vaccination rates help keep workplaces, schools, and families healthy, especially during the peak of flu season in New Hampshire.
When Should You Get Your Flu Shot?
Flu season in New England often peaks between December and February, but cases can rise as early as October. The best time to get vaccinated is early fall, but it’s never too late. Getting vaccinated even mid-season still provides valuable protection.
Stay Protected This Flu Season With ExpressMED
Whether you live or work near Manchester, NH or Salem, NH, ExpressMED makes it easy to get your flu shot quickly and conveniently. Walk-ins are welcome at all ExpressMED locations, and our team is here to answer any questions you may have.
Protect yourself, your family, and your community this flu season.