This season is a hard time for parents as the flu, colds, RSV and COVID-19 are circulating all around us. No parent wants to be woken up to the dreaded phrase of “I don’t feel good,” knowing what is to come for the morning and days after.

The flu season is fast-approaching, and doing what you can now to help keep your kids healthy is crucial for all parents. The flu shot can be a great tool in this venture!

Our AFC Urgent Care Sevierville team can vaccinate your entire family this year. Read on to learn more about the importance of getting your family vaccinated against the flu.

Can Everyone Get the Flu Vaccine?

The flu vaccine has been widely studied for years and has been developed into a safe and reliable vaccination against influenza. Anyone 6 months or older is eligible to get the vaccine, and we recommend everyone who is eligible to do so early in the season.

Small children can develop severe flu infection, even if your child is otherwise healthy. This is why getting a flu shot in September or October is recommended! Antibodies take about two weeks to build up in your child’s system after receiving the shot, so getting it now gives his or her body the time it needs to build that protection.

Top Reasons to Get Your Kids Vaccinated

• It reduces risk of death or serious illness due to the flu.
• It can reduce the number of sick days if they do get the flu.
• It protects other children who cannot get the vaccine.
• It can keep any symptoms mild.

What Kind of Complications Can the Flu Cause?

It is important to remember that contracting the flu doesn’t guarantee that your child will get seriously sick, but there is always the possibility. Children and infants naturally have smaller airways and breathing passages, and any sort of inflammation in that area can be dangerous or even deadly.

Watch for signs of respiratory distress in your child and seek medical care right away if you notice shallow breathing, blue skin or lips, or dizziness. Remember, most children will just experience the common symptoms of a fever, cough, runny nose and body aches and will feel better in a few days time.

How to Keep Your Family Healthy This Year

• Get your annual flu shots.
• Teach proper handwashing.
• Avoid others if they are sick.
• Make healthy meals and encourage hydration.
• Make sleep a priority for everyone.

We want you to stay as healthy as possible this season. Stop by AFC Urgent Care Sevierville for your flu shot.