Regular Flu Shots are Important Too!

by Kevin Smith Author

With the coronavirus threat emerging, many are wondering if the regular flu shot will make them immune to the virus. Should they get onsite flu shots in Suwanee, GA? The short answer is “no”; the longer answer is more complicated.

The Short Answer

Every year, the flu shot contains four flu viruses that public health officials think will pose the largest risk to the public. If the flu you are exposed to is not one of those four, there is a chance you will get that flu.

There will likely be a vaccine created for the coronavirus. Right now, scientists and medical personnel are putting in overtime trying to get an emergency vaccine to stop the spread of the virus in the USA and abroad. An additional shot will be needed to receive the vaccine.

The Longer Answer

Coronavirus is an exceptionally nasty bug that eventually will take hold here in the USA, in all likelihood. Scientists and medical personnel are working on a vaccine and will get one. When that happens, a separate vaccination will be needed by anyone that wants to immune themselves from the virus.

Coronavirus, however, is only part of the story.

There are still several very nasty and possibly even as deadly viruses running around that can sicken those with weakened immune systems, the elderly and children. Estimates vary, but most medical experts agree that somewhere between 20,000 and 60,000 Americans die from the flu every year.

While that statistic is sobering enough, in the worst-case scenario, the flus included in the flu shot are more dangerous than the coronavirus. This is because as a society, we tend to focus on whatever is grabbing headlines, often at the expense of all else.

In this scenario, vulnerable people or their caretakers focus on the hype surrounding coronavirus and ignore the immediate danger posed by more common ailments. Those common ailments include flus, pneumonia and other respiratory issues.

What To Do

As it stands, even if there is an extra vaccine released for coronavirus, everyone should get it as well a regular flu shot, based on individual doctor’s orders.

Also, everyone should:

Wash and/or sanitize their hands as much as possible.
Limit travel if possible to absolutely necessary trips
Cough or sneeze into the crook of your arm
Eat healthy
Get enough sleep

You can call ahead to schedule onsite flu shots in Suwanee, GA, or in some clinics, just walk in. Making sure you understand what you are getting before your shot, however, is vital to keeping yourself healthy.