On average, about 5 to 20% of people living in the United States end up being diagnosed with the flu virus each year. Our team at AFC Urgent Care Louisville doesn’t want you to be one of them.

Therefore, we strongly urge you to consider getting the flu shot in order to best protect yourself from the flu virus this year.

Why Is It Important to Get the Flu Shot?

The flu shot is your best line of defense against the flu. Each year, the flu shot is reformulated to protect against three or four of the flu strains predicted to be most common that year.

If you get the flu after having had the vaccine, your symptoms will be less severe and the duration of the flu will be shorter.

Symptoms of the Flu

• Aching muscles
• Chills
• Dry, persistent cough
• Fatigue
• Fever over 100.4 F
• Headache
• Nasal congestion
• Sore throat

Can the Flu Shot Give You the Flu?

No! The flu shot is made up of inactivated versions of the flu, so you cannot get the flu from the shot.

It takes your body two weeks to build up antibodies after receiving the flu shot, so it is possible to become infected during that time. If you find yourself with the flu, there are steps you can take to find relief.

Ways to Fight the Flu

• Take antiviral medication, if prescribed.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Drink enough fluids throughout the day.
• Treat aches and pains with over-the-counter medication.
• Try lozenges to help soothe a sore throat.
• Use a humidifier to help with nasal congestion.

Our goal at AFC Urgent Care Louisville is to provide convenient, affordable health care to Louisville and the surrounding community.