The flu has been around for a long time. The first flu pandemic was over 500 years ago in Europe. But even though flu season is nothing new, it’s not something we should underestimate. Each year, the flu leads to millions of illnesses and hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations in the United States alone. While most people recover from the flu in just a few days, the virus can have serious consequences for children, seniors, and individuals with underlying health conditions.
One of the most effective tools for protecting yourself—and the rest of your community—from the flu is getting your annual flu shot. But exactly when should you get a flu shot?
When the goal is building community-wide immunity, your timing could make a difference. In this article, the East Adams team shares what you should know about when to get a flue shot.
Need a flu shot? Make an appointment at EARH today.
What Is the Flu?
Let’s start with the basics—what exactly is the flu? The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It spreads through droplets when people cough, sneeze, or talk. It can also spread by touching surfaces containing the virus, then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. It’s very easy to spread around, which is why millions of people get the flu every year.
The flu is different from the common cold. It comes on more suddenly and causes more intense symptoms, which could include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough and sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Vomiting or diarrhea
Most people recover from the flu after a few days of rest and can manage their symptoms with over-the-counter medications. For others, the flu can lead to serious health conditions like pneumonia.
You should see a doctor about the flu if your symptoms are severe, getting worse, or lasting longer than a few days. If you have underlying medical conditions, you’ll want to contact your doctor early on. When in doubt, it’s always better to be safe and have a chat with a healthcare provider about your symptoms.
Why Flu Shots Matter
The best defense against the flu is preventing it from spreading in the first place, and vaccinations are a crucial part of that. Flu vaccines are designed to protect against the most common strains predicted for the upcoming season, so the vaccine is a little different every year.
It is possible to still get the flu even if you’ve been vaccinated—but if you do, your symptoms are likely to be more mild. Your risk of developing any complications is also much lower.
Everyone can benefit from getting the flu shot, but it can be especially critical for:
- Children under 5
- Adults over 65
- Pregnant women
- People with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease
Even if you aren’t in one of these categories, consider getting vaccinated. It helps build what we call community immunity. Community immunity acts like an invisible barrier that helps keep everyone safe, especially the most vulnerable members of the community.
When Should You Get a Flu Shot?
We’ve covered why to get a flu shot—now comes the question of when to get a flu shot. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that most people get their flu vaccine in September or October, before the flu season really takes off.
Getting it in late summer or early fall gives your body enough time to build antibodies and prepare for the peak of flu season. It takes your body around two weeks to build up an effective number of antibodies to fight the flu virus.
However, it’s never too late in the season to get vaccinated, because any protection is better than no protection. Flu season doesn’t peak until December or January, and it can extend into the spring. So if you forget about your flu shot until well into the fall, you should still consider getting one.
You Can Help Build Community Immunity
Vaccines don’t just protect the person who gets them—they also help slow the spread of illness, reduce the number of severe cases, and prevent hospitals from becoming overwhelmed with patients during peak flu season. In short, your flu vaccine helps everybody.
Community immunity, sometimes called “herd immunity,” relies on high vaccination rates. When more people are protected, it’s harder for the flu to spread. This can be even more important in rural communities like ours, where access to care can be limited and hospital resources can be strained during flu season.
By getting your flu shot, you may be helping to protect:
- A newborn baby who is too young to get vaccinated
- An elderly neighbour who has a weakened immune system
- A cancer patient undergoing treatment
You are safeguarding more than yourself. You are protecting the health of our entire community. And out here in Adams County, we get by through sticking together.
Where to Get Your Flu Shot in Adams County
Getting vaccinated against the flu is easy! You can get your flu shot from East Adams Rural Healthcare in several ways, including:
At Our Walk-In Clinic
Our walk-in clinic in Ritzville offers flu shots for both adults and children with no appointment needed. Just stop in during walk-in hours and ask for a flu shot.
At Our Mobile Clinic
Can’t make it into town? The EARH Mobile Clinic travels to surrounding communities such as Washtucna and Othello. Check out the Mobile Clinic schedule to find out when we’ll be near you.
During Your Appointment
Already coming in to see one of our family doctors for a physical, wellness exam, or other healthcare concern? Ask them about getting your flu shot while you are here. It’s quick and can usually be done during your appointment.
A Few Extra Tips for Flu Season
Getting your flu shot is best, but you can add extra protection by:
- Washing your hands often
- Avoid touching your face
- Staying home if you feel sick
- Covering your coughs and sneezes
- Cleaning shared surfaces regularly
- Getting plenty of sleep
Stay Protected With Us This Flu Season
East Adams Rural Healthcare is committed to keeping the Adams County community as healthy as possible. Why? Because we live here, too. Making flu shots accessible and easy is part of our commitment to our home.
The time to get a flu shot is just around the corner, so start making a plan about how you and your family will get vaccinated. Stop by our walk-in clinic or schedule your flu shot today, and let’s work together to keep our families and neighbors healthy.
