Since it’s February, it seems like the end is near – the end of flu season, that is. As winter comes to an end, so does the sense of panic about getting the flu. Unfortunately, it’s not over yet – and this flu season has been one of the worst in a decade! If you haven’t gotten your flu shot yet, here’s three reasons why you should get it today at First Care’s urgent care center in Naples.

 

Kids are hit harder than adults – and they benefit more, too

Let’s face it, children’s immune systems are works in progress. That’s why schools are the hotbeds of flu outbreaks – one child comes to school sick, and the others fall victim to the virus, too. In the worst cases, flu doesn’t just cause fever; it can cause death. By getting your kid a flu shot – even though it’s late in the season – you not only protect him or her from a week or more of pain, you protect other kids (and teachers!) at school. Add to this that this year’s flu vaccine is more effective for kids than in the past, and you have no excuse not to protect your child. Flu shots are recommended for children older than 6 months, according to the CDC.

Pregnant women are everywhere – and they don’t always show

Pregnant women are more susceptible to the flu as they grow new life. Although it is recommended that all pregnant women get the flu shot, some women can’t, due to preexisting conditions or other medications that they may be on. That’s why you should get your flu shot: Just because the woman next to you in line at the pharmacy might not be showing her pregnancy yet doesn’t mean she isn’t at risk. Getting your flu shot might help you – and her.

The season can last until May

Yes, the flu usually finishes peaking by the end of February, but it isn’t a virus on vacation – it doesn’t just pack its bags and go back into hiding until next October. No, the flu is out there to continue to cause havoc until the end of the school year. By getting your flu shot at our Naples urgent care center today, you protect yourself for another 3 months. But, you say, “the vaccine isn’t as effective as in years’ past!” We say: Isn’t it better to be covered by part of an umbrella than no umbrella at all in a rainstorm?

First Care Urgent Care in Naples

Whether you are coming in for your flu shot – or you’re coming in because you have the flu – our Naples walk-in clinic and urgent care clinic are here to help. We have doctors on staff to help prevent and treat the most common ailments, including cold and flu, sprains and strains, and allergic reactions. Don’t wait until you or your child gets sick to come and visit us – take preventive action and get your flu shot at our walk-in clinic in Naples today.