Should I get a flu shot?

This year’s flu season is striking early, and cases are already showing up in our community. It makes sense that people are starting to wonder if they should get a flu shot. Ultimately, it is a personal decision. If you are wrestling with what makes the most sense for you, talk to your primary care doctor.

Here are a few reasons why many providers encourage their patients to get annual flu shots:

Flu shots lower your risk of getting sick. The flu is a contagious respiratory illness. While symptoms can show up differently in each person, it is often associated with fever, body aches, cough, runny nose, and headaches. The flu vaccine has been shown to prevent millions of illnesses and flu-related doctor’s visits each year. Data from the CDC shows getting a flu vaccine every year can reduce your risk of having to go to the doctor for the flu by 40 to 60 percent. During the 2024-2025 flu season, the CDC reports the vaccine prevented 10 million flu-related illnesses and 12,000 flu-related deaths in the United States.

Getting a flu shot can reduce the severity of the flu. After getting a flu shot, it takes about two weeks for your body to build up the antibodies to provide full protection. If you’re exposed to the flu virus during this window after receiving your flu shot, it is still possible to get the flu. However, in these instances, studies have shown that individuals are less likely to experience high fevers, severe complications and hospitalizations because of the illness.

A flu shot can help protect those around you. Some people, especially seniors and those who are immunocompromised, are at greater risk from the flu. When you get a flu shot, you are less likely to catch the virus and spread it to those you love. It is a simple step you can take to help care for the people around you.

Mountain View Hospital wants to make getting a flu shot as easy as possible for people who are interested. They are hosting drive-thru flu shot clinics across Ammon, Blackfoot, Idaho Falls, Rigby, Shelley now through November. You can get details on the exact locations by visiting here.