Take the Shot, Not the Risk
Flu season is here. Understanding how to protect yourself and your loved ones can make a significant difference in maintaining health throughout the colder months.
The flu vaccine remains the most effective tool in preventing influenza infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends yearly flu immunizations for people ages six months and older, especially those who are more likely to develop medical problems from the illness.
The primary reason for getting a flu shot is to protect yourself from the influenza virus. The flu can cause severe illness, leading to symptoms such as high fever, muscle aches, fatigue and severe respiratory distress. In some cases, it can even result in hospitalization or death, particularly among vulnerable populations like the elderly, young children and those with chronic health conditions. By getting vaccinated, you significantly reduce your risk of contracting the flu and experiencing these severe symptoms.
Even if you are diagnosed with the flu after getting vaccinated, the flu shot can help reduce the severity of your symptoms. People who are vaccinated are less likely to experience severe illness that could result in hospitalization.
Getting a flu shot also helps to protect those around you. The flu is highly contagious and can be transmitted through droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or even talks. By reducing your risk of getting the flu, you also decrease the likelihood of passing it on to others, especially those who are more susceptible to severe complications. This is particularly important in community settings such as schools, workplaces and health care facilities.
As a convenience to our patients, Hattiesburg Clinic offers walk-in flu shots Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., on the first floor of the main clinic, located at 415 S. 28th Ave., in Hattiesburg. Flu shots are available to the public at this location throughout the 2024-25 flu season for those five years of age and older.
Getting a flu shot is a simple, yet powerful, way to protect yourself, your loved ones and your community from the flu. Think of those who are less likely to get sick because you chose to get a flu shot. Take the shot, not the risk.
To learn more about flu, visit www.hattiesburgclinic.com/flu or talk to your primary care physician.
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About Hattiesburg Clinic:
Hattiesburg Clinic is Mississippi’s largest privately-owned, multispecialty clinic. More than 60 years after its beginning, the clinic has grown to over 450 physicians and providers, caring for patients in more than 17 counties in South Mississippi. Along with over 2,500 professional staff employees, these physicians and providers come together for a common purpose, to serve the over 500,000 community members who live and work in South Mississippi every day.