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The signs are up in your doctor’s office, and your doctor might even be pushing it, too, but is it already time for a flu shot?
Flu season runs from autumn to early spring, and you definitely want to be prepared, but this is one case where the early bird doesn’t get the worm. With autumn starting on Friday how soon is too soon to get a flu shot?
According to NPR, the science is inconclusive as to how long a flu shot’s protection lasts. Some studies show that if the flu strain hasn’t mutated, last year’s shot still protects you; other research shows that your flu shot may not last even eight months, especially if you’re over 65.
An early flu shot is definitely better than no flu shot at all, but your best bet is to wait until about mid-April. That way, even if your immunity only lasts six months, it will carry you through the peak of flu season.
If you’re reading this later than April, though, don’t worry, late is better than never. And if not for yourself, do it for the herd – your immunity protects the people around you who aren’t able to get a flu shot themselves.
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One response to “When To Get Your Flu Shot”
Also keep in mind that getting the flu shot doesn’t make you immune to getting the flu. The flu shot contains around 4 different flu variants, and those variants change from year to year (for us, it’s generally based on the most widespread variants in northern hemisphere’s most recent flu season). So you’ll be covered for the 4 most likely strains of the flu but you won’t be covered for ALL of them, so there’s still a chance you can catch the flu even after having the shot.
I’m not saying don’t get it – absolutely you should, cause you’ll still be protected against what will probably be the most common strains.