When it comes to getting medical care, some procedures or treatments are more contested or controversial than others. The flu shot is a treatment option that many people are misinformed about and that people do not necessarily always want to get. However, there are many reasons that you should get a flu shot this and every year. Get to know some of the reasons you should get a flu shot. Then, you can schedule an appointment with your family doctor to get it done as soon as possible. 

The Flu Is No Joke

Most people think that the flu is just another common virus like the common cold. However, the flu is much different from the common cold. Having a cold is a relatively minor illness that is generally more of an inconvenience than anything else. 

The flu, on the other hand, can be quite serious. Many people suffer severe symptoms for long periods of time, sometimes weeks. The flu can even be so severe that it requires hospitalization for IV fluids and other care. All in all, having the flu is no joke and can be deadly even with proper treatment. 

You Are Going to Avoid Using as Many Sick Days

Because the flu shot protects you against a variety of flu strains, you will likely not have to use your sick days as much when you have had the vaccine. This is because you will be less likely to get the flu in general.

And, if you do happen to come down with the flu, the severity is often much lower when you have been vaccinated. You will recover from your bout of flu faster, will be less likely to need to be hospitalized, and will be back on your feet in a much shorter time (sometimes as short as a few days). That way, you can save your days off for pleasure rather than illness. 

You Are Protecting Others as Well as Yourself

When you get the flu shot, you are not just taking care of yourself. You are also taking care of others. There are many people that are more susceptible to getting the flu or getting it in a severe form, including children and the elderly. If you have elderly parents or relatives you spend a lot of time with, getting a flu shot is a near necessity if you want to protect your loved ones. 

Getting a flu shot will not only prevent you from getting certain strains of the flu but will also prevent you from passing those same flu strains on to others. To get a flu shot is to perform a public service. 

Now that you know some of the reasons you should get a flu shot this year (and every year), call your family doctor as soon as possible to get yours scheduled.

To learn more about family medical care, contact a family doctor in your area.