Flu Shot Clinic in Charlotte NC

Flu, or influenza, is a contagious viral infection. Most people will contract the flu multiple times
throughout their lives, it lasts between five and seven days. You may experience fatigue for longer and in some cases, you may need to seek medical assistance if it leads to a sinus infection or viral pneumonia. The common symptoms of the flu are fever, which can last between four to five days before breaking, and temperatures of 102 degrees, which are common with the flu. It can be hard for children to determine if they have a cold or flu because their body temperatures are higher than adults.
 
Muscle pain is another sign. As the white blood cells fight, and your immune system activates, it can cause soreness. It is recommended that you seek medical attention if you develop red and swollen joints. Exhaustion and weakness can last up to three weeks when suffering from the flu, especially if you are plagued with a chronic illness. A cough is expected and common and will generally start with a sore throat and a stuffy nose. If you experience chest pains, chills, and a fever of 102F along with coughing up yellow-green or bloody mucus, you should see a doctor.
 
Shortness of breath a stubborn cough and congestion with restriction in your nasal passages are also symptoms of the flu. Practicing good hygiene can help with the spread of the flu since sneezing is another symptom and can spread the virus via objects and communal spaces. Losing your appetite and dehydration can be challenging while suffering from the flu, but eating smaller portions frequently can ensure you are giving your body nutrients to heal. You may experience a headache because of dehydration along with the nasal cavities being inflamed. Nasal congestion leads to a sinus infection causing pain with head movements. Mild to moderate ear pain because irritation in the eustachian tube puts pressure on the ear drum.

It is your best protection against influenza, it takes up to two weeks to build immunity and can
be beneficial even if you don’t receive it at the beginning of flu season.

There has been extensive research into the flu shot and millions of people receive it yearly. It is
your best defense against the highly contagious flu. It has shown to have good results over the
last fifty years. It is not recommended for children under the age of six months, anyone who has reacted to the vaccine or any of its ingredients, if you have an egg or mercury allergy, or those with Guillain-Barre syndrome. Seniors over the age of 65 receive a higher dosage to ensure they are fully protected.

The influenza season starts in October and will continue throughout the fall and winter. There are more cases between December and February, and cases can continue well into May. It would be best to protect yourself before the peak in December. The first benefit of the flu shot is that researchers are continuously adapting to new flu viruses, so what protected us last year may not protect us this year. Once you are vaccinated, your body produces antibodies to protect you, so receiving the vaccine yearly allows the body to be protected against that year’s virus.
 
Individuals with chronic medical conditions should receive the vaccine to prevent these conditions from worsening. Health experts can determine which strains will be prevalent in the coming year and the year’s vaccine is based on that (usually up to three strains). Once you have the vaccine, your symptoms will be far less severe. When new strains develop, Influenza vaccines can reduce hospitalization. It has been reported that the vaccination prevents over one hundred thousand flu-related hospitalizations over one year. Pregnant women need to get vaccinated as it not only protects them but also their infant for the first few months after birth. Getting vaccinated can also protect those around you. We are conveniently located at 1220 Eastway Drive Charlotte, NC 28205. For more information, please contact us or book an appointment online. We serve patients from Charlotte NC, Newell NC, Mint Hill NC, Matthews NC, Allen NC, Harrisburg NC, and surrounding cities.