Fall officially begins with the autumnal equinox (this year on September 22), when even in Texas our thoughts turn to pumpkin spice [everything!], harvest festivals, scarecrows, sweaters, and [of course] football. While you may not think about flu season until the weather really starts to feel like fall, the best time to get your annual fall flu shot may be earlier than you think.

Facts and Figures about the Flu:

• Influenza or “flu” symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some people also may have vomiting and diarrhea. People may be infected with the flu and have respiratory symptoms without a fever.
• The 2017-’18 flu season was especially brutal for all age groups and it remained widespread geographically for a longer than usual period of time. More than 30,000 people were hospitalized, and millions of people were sick.
• There were high levels of outpatient clinic and ER visits for flu-like symptoms and record numbers of pediatric deaths (180 for the ’17-’18 season).
• The start of flu season is unpredictable. Immunization can – and should – begin as soon as the vaccine is available. Integrity Urgent Care is already prepared and ready to administer the vaccine.
• Immunization is safe for pregnant women, as well as for nursing mothers and infants (6 months and older).

3 Actions to Fight the Flu

Because of the serious nature of the flu, CDC urges three actions to protect yourself from the flu.

1. Take time to get a flu shot. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), all adults and children older than six months should get an influenza (flu) shot before Halloween (easier to remember than the end of October, right?!). A similar recommendation has been made by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Although still effective if you get it later in the season, it’s best to get immunized flu season really gets going. Infants younger than six months old are at high risk of serious flu illness but are too young to be immunized. Adults who care for them (and older siblings) should be immunized instead.

This flu season, depend on . Remember, no appointment is ever necessary so come into one of our convenient locations for your flu shot today! It takes about two weeks after vaccination for enough antibodies to develop and protect you from flu. No immunization can ever guarantee 100% success, so if you begin to experience flu-like symptoms see us as soon as possible. Antiviral drugs are most effective if begun within 2 days after the onset of symptoms. Integrity Urgent Care hopes you have a flu-free season, but we’re here to get you back on your feet as quickly as possible if you become ill.  one of our for more information. We’re open daily 8 am – 8 pm and no appointment is ever needed.