Flu Shot Specialist

Ithaca Primary Care

Primary Care Practice & Behavioral Health located in Ithaca, NY

The flu virus can lead to serious health complications and hospitalizations, especially in children and older adults. At Ithaca Primary Care, Dr. Radomir D. Stevanovic offers the highest-quality health care services, including flu shots and wellness exams, to the men and women of Ithaca, New York, and the surrounding communities. To protect yourself from influenza, call Ithaca Primary Care to schedule a flu shot or book an appointment online today.

Flu Shot Q&A

What is the flu?

The flu, short for influenza, is an infectious virus that targets your respiratory system, specifically your lungs, throat, and nose. This infection is spread through the air and enters your body through your mouth, nose, or eyes.

Common symptoms of the flu include:

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Congestion
  • Sore throat
  • Muscle aches
  • Persistent cough
  • Weakness and fatigue

The easiest way to avoid contracting influenza is by getting a flu shot.

Why is a flu shot necessary?

Each year, millions of people get the flu, and hundreds of thousands become hospitalized. While many people recover on their own, even the healthiest people can become very sick and require hospitalization. In serious cases, the flu can even lead to death.

Additional influenza complications include:

  • Pneumonia
  • Bronchitis
  • Sinus infections
  • Ear infections

The flu is very contagious, so getting vaccinated not only protects your health, but it also reduces the spread of influenza throughout the community.   

How does a flu shot work?

A vaccine protects your body by introducing small amounts of a disease to your system. When your immune system detects this foreign invader, it produces antibodies to protect you from further infection.

The flu virus is different each season, so experts conduct research to determine which influenza viruses might be the most common each year. The traditional flu shot is designed to protect you against three viruses:

  • Influenza A (H1N1)
  • Influenza A (H1N2)
  • Influenza B

After receiving a flu shot, antibodies against those viruses develop in your system within about two weeks.

Who should get a flu shot?

Everyone over age six should get a flu shot, but some people are at higher risk of flu-related complications, including pregnant and postpartum women and people in long-term care facilities or nursing homes. Men and women over 65 years of age, as well as children under five, also have higher rates of complications.

You should also receive a flu vaccination if you have certain medical conditions, including:

  • Asthma
  • Heart disease
  • Kidney or liver disorders
  • Compromised immune system
  • COPD or chronic lung diseases
  • Blood, metabolic, or endocrine disorders
  • Neurological or neurodevelopmental conditions

People who are significantly overweight should also get a flu shot to reduce their risks of influenza-related complications.

Call Ithaca Primary Care or schedule your flu shot online today.