When is the best time to get your flu shot?
Influenza, commonly called the flu, is a viral respiratory disease that was responsible for 370,000 to 777,000 hospitalizations and 24,000 to 67,000 deaths in the United States during the 2023 to 2024 influenza season.
Influenza spreads primarily through person-to-person respiratory transmission, which occurs through close-range contact (within approximately 6 feet). This can happen when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks and respiratory secretions are inhaled. It can also be transmitted if a person touches a surface contaminated by viral respiratory secretions, and then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth.
Vaccination against the flu has been shown to decrease the likelihood of developing the flu, as well as decreasing the severity of symptoms if you do get the flu.
The influenza virus is capable of making changes in its genes that can lead to a decreased effectiveness of the vaccination. The flu vaccine is updated each year to allow for protection against the most likely flu viruses that research suggests will be most common during the upcoming season.
So when is the best time to get your flu shot?
Influenza season typically begins in October and can last into May. Historically, transmission peaks between December through March, with February being the highest single month.
Once vaccinated, it takes about 2 weeks for your body to develop protection from the flu. Thus, for those in the United States, it is typically recommended to get vaccinated starting in September through October. However, you can still protect yourself from late season outbreaks by getting vaccinated in February or later.
Florida Direct Primary Care
At Florida Direct Primary Care, we develop individualized treatment plans that promote overall health and wellness, tailored to each patient’s unique health needs and goals. If you’re in the St. Augustine area and looking for a primary care, sports medicine, or obesity medicine doctor, contact us to learn more about the practice. Visit FloridaDPC.com, email us at info@FloridaDPC.com, or call 904-650-2882.
This web site is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute the provision of medical advice or professional services. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating individual health problems or diseases. Those seeking medical advice should consult with a licensed physician.