Contracting influenza can be dangerous for anyone, but if you are 65 or older, your risk of experiencing a serious infection or dangerous complications is higher. Because of this possibility, there are different variations of the flu shot available to provide a wider range of protection.

Staying healthy starts with taking care of yourself throughout the season, and that includes getting your annual flu shot as soon as possible. If you want to learn more about what the higher dose version of the flu shot can do for you, our AFC Urgent Care Clemson team explains it all below.

Is the High-Dose Flu Shot New This Year?

This version of the flu shot has been around for years and can provide you with an extra layer of protection against influenza. The regular flu shot provides protection against several common strains of the flu while the high-dose version protects against four different strains.

This should be great news if you are 65 or older! As we age, our immune systems can weaken and make us more vulnerable to complications from illness. Any strain of the flu becomes more dangerous and can even be deadly. If you get the high-dose version of the shot, your body is able to create four times the amount of antibodies to fight against the flu. The more protection, the better!

What to Expect After the Flu Shot

• Muscle aches
• Minor discomfort at the injection site
• Headache
• General tiredness

Why Does the Flu Shot Produce Side Effects?

The flu shot is formulated to trigger an immune response in our bodies against the flu. When you get vaccinated, your body recognizes the invader and starts to create antibodies to fight off the illness. It is important to remember that although the flu shot has flu virus in it, the bits of virus have been deactivated, so they cannot make you sick.

Any side effects you experience are due to your body’s immune response. Since your body is working hard to create that important protection for you, it can be common to feel run down or achy for a day as the shot does its job.

Possible Flu Complications

• Myocarditis (heart inflammation)
• Pneumonia
• Kidney failure
  
• Bronchitis

It’s not too late to get your flu shot this year! Come see us today at AFC Urgent Care Clemson.