The pros and cons of flu shots

If you don’t want to catch the flu during the winter months, the easiest thing you can do is get a vaccine to prevent it. The flu is a contagious influenza virus that causes thousands of hospitalizations every year. Let’s break down the pros and cons of getting flu shots.

The pros of flu shots

• Prevention. The biggest pro to receiving the flu shot is the prevention it brings to your body. According to the CDC, this is the most effective way to prevent the flu.
• Decrease in symptoms. If you end up with the flu, the flu shot can help you combat the sickness faster and also decrease some of its harmful symptoms.
• Decrease the chance of hospitalization. Going to the hospital is a pain. Not only do you have to wait in long lines, but it’s also costly; for you and your insurance company. By getting the flu shot, you decrease your chances of needing to go to the hospital and be hospitalized overnight for severe flu cases.
• Protect others. Another benefit of getting the flu shot is your ability to keep both you and others free of the illness. While you can’t control other people getting sick, you can prevent yourself from being the one who passes the sickness to them.

The cons of flu shots

• Cost. If you’re not insured, you will need to pay for the vaccine. Check with your local health clinics and see if there are days they offer the vaccine at a discounted rate for those who do not have insurance. Most clinics and medical supply stores want you to receive the vaccine so they will offer the shot for free or for a cheap rate.
• That’s all. The health benefits of protecting yourself, your friends, and those around you are priceless.

Where to get a flu shot

Most medical supply stores have pharmacies in them where you can register to receive a flu shot. Other places include free health clinics and your local doctor’s office.