With the weather starting to wind down as we head to the latter stages of the year, colds, flu, and weather-related illnesses are on the rise. Most people know how to prevent the flu through normal lifestyle adjustments in anticipation of major climate changes.

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However, sometimes, it isn’t enough to protect yourself. With the holiday season approaching us in the next couple of months and work becoming more intensive before the end of the year, it may be a good idea to consider getting a flu shot.

What is the Flu?

Flu Shot

Formally known as influenza, the flu is a respiratory illness that is contracted due to climate change and the body not being able to adapt, or contracting it deems another person.

A person can typically recover from influenza after a week, but what makes the flu worse than a typical cold, is that it can lead to other serious health conditions if it isn’t treated properly. Other major health concerns that can stem from influenza especially include bronchitis, pneumonia as well as aggravating existing health conditions.

Just like a typical cold, the symptoms of influenza are the same, but to a worse extent and take far longer to recover from. Symptoms of the flu include:

  • Sore throat
  • Cough
  • Fever
  • Runny nose
  • Nasal congestion
  • Fatigue
  • Weakness
  • Headaches
  • Confusion
  • Sore muscles and joints

Benefits of a Flu Shot

Flu Shot

Although there are many effective and practical methods you can make in your lifestyle to stay away from contracting the flu, the flu shot is one of the best and most recommended ways to prevent yourself from getting one.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu vaccinations are the most effective way of preventing influenza from occurring. Almost all medical practices in the UAE have flu shots and here are the benefits you should know when considering getting them.

Flu Prevention

The most obvious benefit of a flu shot is that it prevents you from getting influenza. Although it doesn’t stop you from contacting other illnesses, the flu is open to the most common illnesses and a flu shot to prevent you from contracting it will also give you peace of mind that it won’t happen to you.

Milder Symptoms and Faster Recovery

Flu Shot

If you have been vaccinated for the flu, your symptoms of colds, flu, and other related illnesses will have milder symptoms, helping you to recover faster. 

1. Lower risk of persisting health complications

A flu shot will lower your risk of aggravating or worsening the condition of other health complications or personal health matters. People who have health conditions such as chronic conditions, diabetes, lung disease or heart conditions should be vaccinated for the flu to lessen the risk of their condition becoming worse due to the flu. 

2. A healthier community

If more people were vaccinated for the flu, you’re protecting yourself from people who do have it. Once you’re protected from the flu, you are no longer involved in the contagion from other people. If more people were vaccinated, all people would be safer from the spread of the flu, including children too young to be vaccinated.

3. Fewer expenses

Flu shots are relatively inexpensive. The only cost would be a consultation to the doctor and the actual administration of the shot. This is far less of an expense as opposed to contracting the flu, visiting the doctor on multiple occasions, buying medicines and treatments and taking downtime for work. Ultimately, a flu shot will save you money.

Keep in Mind

Flu Shot

Getting a flu shot does not mean you can compromise your health and lifestyle. Even though getting the flu shot may significantly decrease the chances of yourself from getting the flu, if you don’t manage a healthy lifestyle and take preventative action from getting the flu, you may contract other illnesses or health complications. Always be sure to take every measure you can from contracting the flu or other sicknesses regardless of whether you have taken a flu shot or not.

If you are still unsure of the benefits of a flu shot or what it means for your direct health speak with your doctor. If you have a current or existing health condition or are on another form of medication, your doctor will be able to give you the best advice on whether vaccination is best for you and other approaches you can make to protect and improve your health. 

Head over to the Okadoc app to immediately book an appointment with your health practitioner.