Flu season is here – are you ready for it? The season often runs from October-May, and the number of flu cases is already appearing to be on the rise.

While the thought of receiving a shot can be unpleasant to many people, there are many benefits to the vaccination that make it worth your time. These include:

• Possibly preventing you from getting sick with the flu;
• Reducing the severity of illness if you do get the flu; and
• Reducing the risk of hospitalization due to the flu.

Health experts recommend everyone over the age of six months get a flu shot, but extra consideration should be given for caregivers, young children, older adults, pregnant women, and anyone with a chronic health condition – like asthma. People with asthma who get the flu can develop pneumonia and acute respiratory disease.

It’s recommended that you get a flu shot every year, but it’s important to note that the flu is impacting the United States early and hard this year. According to federal health data, the hospitalization rate of people with the flu at this point in the season is higher than in previous seasons going all the way back to 2010-2011.

In its report of early increases in seasonal flu activity, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shares that the United States has experienced “little flu for the past two seasons,” and there has also been a drop in flu vaccine coverage. A reduced population immunity could lead to a strong return of the flu, so it’s best to protect yourself and others by getting vaccinated.

Ready to get your flu shot and need a place to go? We are currently seeing new patients at both our Round Rock and Central Austin locations and offer a wide range of services, including vaccinations and pediatric care. Our health teams work with you to prevent illness and keep you flourishing at your best.